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106 results found
Items 1 - 50 of 106
Bangladesh
| 1 May 2013
Violent protests against country’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) continued, combined with increased tensions between ruling Awami League (AL) and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), bringing country to standstill. Several killed in clashes in Dhaka and Chittagong between Jamaat-e-Islami and AL supporters during 11 April demonstration. 3 Hindu temples set on fire in suspected Jamaat attacks in Madaripur and Boalkhali. BNP 23 April organised nationwide strike protesting against arrests of its members, dozens hurt in clashes with police, 2 injured in bomb attacks in Dhaka. Leader of AL youth organisation Chhatra League hacked to death in Rajshahi 14 April. ICT-1 23 April indicted former AL leader Mobarak Hossain for murder, abduction and torture during 1971 independence war.
Bangladesh
| 1 Apr 2013
Month saw violent protests by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami against country’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) and ruling Awami League (AL) party, sparking clashes with security forces and AL supporters, dozens killed and hundreds injured. Police 11 March arrested 154 prominent BNP members after nationwide strike. Police 31 March arrested Delwar Hussen, president of Jamaat-e-Islami student front Islami Chhatra Shibir, prompting further violence. President Zillur Rahman died of illness in Singapore 20 March. In context of ICT protests, attacks against Hindu minority and vandalism of temples increased.
Bangladesh
| 1 Mar 2013
Violence erupted as Islamist protests over 1971 war crimes tribunal faced off against popular movement in support of death sentences for those accused, including senior leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami party. After country’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) sentenced Jamaat leader Abdul Quader Mollah to life in prison 5 Feb, hundreds of thousands began peaceful protests in Dhaka’s Shahbag Square same day calling for death sentence for Mollah and others on trial. Shahbag protests continued throughout month, supported by governing Awami League and opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Ongoing protests by Jamaat-e-Islami and its youth wing against war crimes trials intensified: general countrywide strikes 18, 24, 28 Feb, with around a dozen killed in clashes with security forces, dozens injured and arrested. ICT 28 Feb sentenced Jamaat-e-Islami leader Delwar Hossain Sayedee to death, sparking further violence, over 20 reported killed, dozens injured. One of bloggers organising Shahbag protests Ahmed Rajib Haider hacked to death in suspected Jamaat-e-Islami attack in Dhaka 15 Feb. PM Sheikh Hasina 16 Feb voiced support for banning Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Chhatra Shibir. Parliament 18 Feb passed law to swiftly execute war criminals, allow prosecution appeal against life sentences and allow trials of parties or organisations on war crimes charges. ICT 25 Feb charged Mobarak Hossain, member of governing Awami League, with war crimes during 1971 war.
Bangladesh
| 1 Feb 2013
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami organised further strikes 28, 31 Jan to protest trials against party leaders accused of committing crimes during 1971 independence war; clashes between protesters and police in Dhaka and other cities. Tribunal 21 Jan sentenced to death in absentia Muslim cleric and former Jamaat-e-Islami senior member Abul Kalam Azad for committing crimes against humanity during independence war. Jamaat-e-Islami 15 Jan organised half-day strike in 8 Rajshahi districts to protest arrest of party’s assistant SG over threats to PM; at least 15 injured, including 4 police, in clashes, explosions. Police 6 Jan violently dispersed demonstrators protesting fuel price rise, dozens reported injured.
Bangladesh
| 30 Dec 2012
Jamaat e-Islami and Islami Chhatra supporters continued nationwide protests against trial of party leaders accused of committing war crimes during 1971 independence war. Amid fears govt might rig 2014 parliamentary elections, 18 opposition parties led by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) held nationwide protests early Dec to demand reinstatement of caretaker govt dismissed in 2011; 4 reported killed, hundreds injured in clashes between police and protesters 9 Dec; further protests in Dakha 26 Dec. Ruling parties led by Awami League 22 Dec held nationwide demonstrations to protest Jamaat-e-Islami and BNP protests and violence. Clashes broke out 22 Dec between supporters of 2 defeated candidates of local election in Rangpur, 1 killed.
Bangladesh
| 1 Dec 2012
Police arrested some 2,500 Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Chhatra party supporters following nationwide protests throughout Nov against trial of party leaders accused of committing war crimes during 1971 independence war.
Bangladesh
| 1 Nov 2012
Police early Oct arrested 300 suspects in Sept anti-Buddhist violence in Cox’s Bazaar district, including Buddhist local who put image of burnt Quran on Facebook, sparking violence. Govt mid-month sought talks with U.S. diplomats over arrest of Bangladeshi terror suspect Quazi Mohammad Rezwanul Ahsan Nafis who attempted to blow up Federal Reserve Bank in New York. Govt 25 Oct sent additional security forces to Myanmar border amid reports of influx of Rohingya Muslim refugees fleeing Rakhine State violence.
Bangladesh
| 1 Oct 2012
Thousands of demonstrators clashed with police over anti-Islam film in Dhaka 21-22 Sept, at least 50 civilians, 30 police injured; Islamic organisations 23 Sept enforced nationwide strike. Former Awami League MP shot dead 25 Sept. Muslim protesters 29-30 Sept attacked Buddhist homes, temples in Cox’s Bazar district after image of burnt Quran allegedly posted by local Buddhist on Facebook; authorities imposed curfew, deployed troops. Interior Minister described violence as “premeditated and deliberate acts of communal violence”.
Bangladesh
| 1 Sep 2012
Police 22 Aug arrested Jamaat-e-Islami SG Azharul Islam for alleged crimes against humanity during 1971 independence war. Court 28 Aug jailed 665 soldiers for 2009 mutiny. 50 Hindus accused of vandalising local mosque 4 Aug injured in clashes with Muslims in Dinajpur, 17 arrested.
Bangladesh
| 1 Aug 2012
Court 15 July jailed 253 patients and hospital workers over involvement in Feb 2009 mutiny. 20 injured 8 July in clashes between student organisations Bangladesh Chhatra League and Islami Chhatra Shibir in Sylhet. Student killed 15 July in factional clash between Bangladesh Chhatra League supporters in Rangpur over leadership of its Rajshahi University unit. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Chhatra Shibir 19 July clashed with police in Motijheel, dozens injured, 8 arrested; activists demanded immediate release of leaders arrested on various charges including war crimes.
Bangladesh
| 1 Jul 2012
Hundreds injured in mid-month large-scale garment worker strikes in Ashulia; hundreds arrested, 10 local BNP leaders charged with provocation. Second International Crimes Tribunal early June indicted several suspects including Jamaat-e-Islami leader Muhammad Kamaruzzaman, SG Ali Ahsan Mohammad, BNP leader Abdul Alim for war crimes. Opposition leaders accused of 29 April torching of bus in front of PM’s office released on bail 14 June. Pirgachha district Awami League leader Mofizul Islam killed 21 June, 20 others injured at party meeting in clash between party factions.
Bangladesh
| 1 Jun 2012
Month saw widespread protests against April arrest of 45 opposition leaders, disappearance of BNP regional leader Ilyas Ali; 200 injured 13 May across Bangladesh; several bombs exploded, over 100 arrested 17 May during Dhaka protest. Opposition set 10 June ultimatum for restoration of caretaker govt to oversee 2013 national elections, threatening boycott. U.S. Secretary of State Clinton 5 May called for political dialogue during visit to Dhaka. 3 top Jamaat-e-Islami members, including leader Ghulam Azam, indicted 12, 28 May for genocide, murder during 1971 Bangladesh liberation war; first trial expected to start 20 June; party said charges politically motivated. 9 journalists wounded 29 May in attack on Dhaka news outlet.
Bangladesh
| 1 May 2012
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) called for series of strikes following 17 April disappearance of regional leader Ilyas Ali. 2 killed, at least 100 injured 23 April in clashes with police during protest in Sylhet over disappearance. Several bombs exploded 29 April in Dhaka following death of opposition supporter in riots, police charged 44 opposition officials including senior BNP leaders. Labour organiser Aminul Islam found murdered 5 April amid allegations of govt or police involvement.
Bangladesh
| 1 Apr 2012
Some 100,000 opposition supporters 12 March rallied in Dhaka demanding restoration of law requiring independent caretaker govt to oversee elections. 30 people, including eldest son of former PM Khaleda Zia and former Zia govt ministers, indicted 18 March for 2004 grenade attack on rally led by current PM Sheikh Hasina that killed 24.
Bangladesh
| 1 Feb 2012
Army 20 Jan said coup attempt by former, serving officers foiled. 4 killed 29 Jan in clashes between police and anti-govt protestors during nationwide rallies called by opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Islamist ally Jamaat-e-Islami. Former Jamaat-e-Islami party chief Golam Azam jailed 11 Jan on war crimes charges.
Bangladesh
| 2 Jan 2012
2 killed in Dhaka and Sylhet 18 Dec when police dispersed hundreds of opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) activists. 8 injured in Dhaka 4 Dec as police forcibly dispersed BNP activists participating in general strike. Border Guard Bangladesh 12 Dec protested killing, capture and abduction of citizens by Indian Border Security Force (BSF); govt 19 Dec protested 17-18 Dec killing of 4 nationals by BSF. Authorities 15 Dec announced inquiry into recent spate of killings and disappearances; rights group Odhikar said most victims opposition political activists.
Bangladesh
| 1 Dec 2011
Trial began 20 Nov of Delwar Sayedee, lead Jamaat-e-Islami politician, marking first trial for war crimes during 1971 war; similar charges filed 14 Nov against senior opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Chowdhury. Court 15 Nov charged rebel United Liberation Front of Assam military wing leader Paresh Baruah and 10 others including 2 former BNP govt ministers and 2 former senior intelligence officials with involvement in 2004 arms haul.
Bangladesh
| 1 Nov 2011
Opposition leader Khaleda Zia 18 Oct led 10,000-strong protest from capital to NW Chapainawabganj city to demand govt resignation, early elections.
Bangladesh
| 1 Oct 2011
Police 19 Sept fired rubber bullets to disperse supporters of Jamaat-e-Islami party protesting continued detention of 5 senior leaders on war crimes charges. Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party 22 Sept led one-day strike over rising fuel prices. Bangladesh and India 6 Sept agreed deal allowing integration of some Bangladeshi and Indian enclaves, with residents allowed right to decide on nationality, but failed to agree on sharing water, Indian overland access across Bangladesh to N-E Indian states.
Bangladesh
| 1 Sep 2011
Amnesty International 24 Aug accused govt of unlawful killings by police Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), said RAB implicated in at least 700 killings since 2004.
Bangladesh
| 1 Aug 2011
Opposition Bangladesh National Party (BNP) called 6-7 July general strike protesting govt repealing law requiring independent caretaker govt to oversee elections; dozens injured, detained as protesters clashed with police.
Bangladesh
| 1 Jul 2011
Parliament 30 June overturned law requiring independent caretaker govt to oversee elections. 5, 12 June general strikes organised by opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party to protest law; at least 50 protesters arrested after clashes with police.
Bangladesh
| 1 Jun 2011
Human Rights Watch 10 May accused UK-trained paramilitary force Rapid Action Battalion of extrajudicial killings, torture; govt denied. Opposition party Jamaat-e-Islami leader Motiur Rahman Nizami 5 May admitted to War Crimes tribunal that he was involved with Pakistani forces during 1971 independence war, but only under “death threat”.
Bangladesh
| 1 Apr 2011
Abdul Alim, prominent member of opposition BNP party, arrested 28 March on war crimes charges, including genocide, in 1971 independance war; BNP criticised charges as politically motivated.
Bangladesh
| 1 Mar 2011
Govt 7 Feb deployed 10,000 riot police across country after opposition BNP called national strike to protest govt handling of economy; dozens injured as protesters clashed with police in Dhaka. Police raided BNP headquarters, arrested several activists.
Bangladesh
| 3 Jan 2011
Influential opposition BNP party MP Salauddin Quader Chowdhury charged 15 Dec with war crimes during 1971 independence war, arrested 16 Dec on unrelated murder charges; BNP claimed
politically motivated.
Bangladesh
| 1 Dec 2010
Violent demonstrations erupted across country after govt 13 Nov evicted opposition BNP party leader Khaleda Zia from her home. At least 100 injured as protesters clashed with police; 3 killed in 13 Nov Khustia suicide attack on ruling AL party MP Afaz Uddin’s residence, but Uddin unharmed. BNP 28 Nov claimed govt arrested some 1,100 of its members ahead of BNP-called national strike 30 Nov, which passed without violent incident. 2 small bombs exploded outside residence of Chief Justice A.B.M. Khairul Haq 18 Nov; no injuries.
Bangladesh
| 1 Oct 2010
President Rahman 7 Sept pardoned
20 members of ruling Awami League on death row over 2006 murder of opposition
Bangladesh National Party (BNP) activist; criticised by BNP.
Bangladesh
| 1 Sep 2010
Govt-backed tribunal 2 Aug sentenced 4 top Jamaat-e-Islami party leaders to prison for “war crimes” committed during 1971 independence war. 14 ex-BDR border guards 2 Aug convicted to up to 6 years in prison over role in Feb 2009 mutiny; 215 BDR members in total now jailed. Govt 20 Aug cancelled parole of opposition party BNP leader Khaleda Zia’s son, wanted since Dec 2007 for graft; BNP called for nationwide protests.
Bangladesh
| 1 Aug 2010
Govt 14 July arrested 2 top Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) party leaders for alleged war crimes committed during 1971 independence war; JI claims govt trying to cripple its leadership, with 3 other JI leaders held late June on various charges. Govt 13 July restructured BDR border force, responsible for Feb 2009 mutiny, renamed Border Guard Bangladesh; further 801 BDR soldiers charged 12 July with crimes committed during mutiny, including murder. Supreme Court 18 July lifted ban on pro-opposition newspaper, imposed by govt June.
Bangladesh
| 1 Jul 2010
Main opposition parties BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami 27 June called anti-govt general strike, first since 2007; tens of thousands protested across country, violent clashes with police. BNP mid-month extended boycott of parliament. Media watchdogs, opposition criticised govt 2 June shutting down pro-BNP newspaper, arresting editor on sedition charges. Surprise victory for BNP candidate in 2nd city Chittagong mayoral elections, first key position lost by ruling AL party since entering govt Dec 2008.
Bangladesh
| 1 Jun 2010
Police 25 May detained head of Islamist group Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh. 9 BDR border guards sentenced up to 7 years prison 2 May for involvement in Feb 2009 BDR mutiny; followed Apr sentencing of 192.
Bangladesh
| 1 May 2010
In first convictions since Feb 2009 BDR border patrol force mutiny, courts sentenced 29 BDR members 7 April, 57 members 18 April to up to 7 seven years prison; some 3,500 members still on trial. Police 20 Apr arrested head of Hizb ut-Tahrir militant group.
Bangladesh
| 1 Apr 2010
Human Rights Watch 17 March said hundreds of BDR border patrol force members still detained without charge following Feb 2009 mutiny, expressed concern over alleged torture and death of some 60 detainees.
Bangladesh
| 1 Mar 2010
Police 12 Feb detained some 300 suspected Jamaat-e-Islami militants after early month clashes between rival political student groups left at least 2 dead; dozens injured following violent Dhaka protests. Main opposition party BNP returned to parliament 13 Feb, ending boycott in effect since June 2009.
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Bangladesh
| 1 Feb 2010
PM Hasina in official visit to India early month, signed agreements to jointly fight cross-border crime, terrorism; opposition BNP criticised deal for “compromising national interest”. 5 ex-army officers executed 28 Jan for 1975 killing of Bangladesh’s first president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
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Bangladesh
| 4 Jan 2010
Trials against hundreds of BDR members suspected of involvement in Feb 2009 mutiny continued; BDR announced will recruit 1,000 new members Jan.
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Bangladesh
| 1 Dec 2009
First trial of suspected BDR mutineers began 25 Nov, govt said trying all 3,500 suspects could take “years”. Police 13 Nov arrested 3 suspected members of Lashkar-e-Tayyaba (LeT) militant group, 1 suspected Bangladeshi LeT “leader” 22 Nov.
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Bangladesh
| 1 Nov 2009
Govt 23 Oct banned Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir. 21 Oct bomb attack on car of AL party MP Fazle Noor Tapas; Tapas escaped unhurt, 12 others injured; no claim of responsibility. Main opposition party BNP 2 Oct said will continue boycott of parliament, in effect since Dec 2008 elections.
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Bangladesh
| 1 Oct 2009
Court 7 Sept announced corruption trial against opposition BNP leader, ex-PM Khaleda Zia to start 25 Oct. Supreme Court 13 Sept rejected military trials for suspected BDR mutineers, govt said civilian trials will be “fast-tracked”. Army 8 Sept rejected rights groups’ reports that deaths in custody of 41 BDR suspects were due to torture.
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Bangladesh
| 1 Sep 2009
Anti-Corruption Commission 5 Aug filed corruption charges against ex-PM and opposition leader Khaleda Zia. Govt committee investigating deaths of at least 36 BDR members in custody had deadline extended late-month after failing to reach any findings.
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Bangladesh
| 1 Aug 2009
Military-led investigation into Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) Feb mutiny 17 July found total 3,000 BDR members involved. Security forces 8 July arrested 4 alleged Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh militant group members.
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Bangladesh
| 1 Jul 2009
29 May govt report on Feb Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) border patrol force mutiny inconclusive on root cause, called for further investigation. Security forces 21-22 June arrested 20 Islamist militants.
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Bangladesh
| 1 Jun 2009
Arrests continued for Feb Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) border patrol force mutiny: 352 BDR suspects arrested 14 May, bringing total arrested to over 2,000. Govt inquiry formed 21 May to investigate 21 cases of BDR suspects dead in custody. Govt 6 May announced plans to investigate and try suspected war criminals from 1971 independence war, now largely linked to Islamist groups.
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Bangladesh
| 1 May 2009
Head of Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), installed by army-led caretaker govt (CTG), resigned 2 Apr following Awami League-led govt pressure. Govt 8 Apr offered reward for each captured fugitive from border patrol force Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) that led Feb mutiny; BDR Chief 24 Apr said 16 BDR suspects died in custody from alleged suicide or natural causes.
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Bangladesh
| 1 Apr 2009
| Govt 2 March announced final death toll from Feb mutiny by border patrol force Bangladesh Rifles (BDR): 74 dead, including 56 officers. Police 3 March arrested suspected mutiny leader, over 200 additional BDR members detained during March. Human rights groups raised concerns over deaths, possible torture of 4 detained BDR personnel. Govt 21 March said will disband BDR, create new border force. Opposition (BNP) leader Khaleda Zia and many army officers criticised govt handling of mutiny. Govt 12 March said some of arrested had links to Islamist group Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh.
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Bangladesh
| 1 Mar 2009
| Members of paramilitary border patrol force Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) led violent mutiny at their Dhaka HQ 25 Feb, taking hostage some 130 senior military officials and killing over 70; many still missing as CrisisWatch went to press. Move came after BDR members blocked from presenting PM Hasina with pay and staffing demands, including removal of military officials from BDR posts. Mutiny spread to barracks across country even as some Dhaka BDR guards handed over weapons 26 Feb. Military 27 Feb reiterated support for govt as latter promised tribunals to fast-track mutiny cases, easing fears of coup. Parliamentary work stalled for 17 days as opposition BNP continued complaint over seating arrangements until 19 Feb. Cross-party committee 31 Jan said would review all ordinances issued by caretaker govt (CTG). PM Hasina 4 Feb said Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to be re-organised to run “without political interference”.
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Bangladesh
| 1 Feb 2009
Civilian federal govt sworn in 6 Jan, led by Awami League (AL) leader Sheikh Hasina, ending 2 years of military-backed caretaker administration. Opposition BNP pledged to work with govt, but 28 Jan walked out of parliament over seating arrangements. Local upazila council polls held 22 Jan; polling suspended in 7 districts as polling centres plagued by violence and reports of fraud. Election commissioner noted “irregularities”, said interference by “ruling party” to blame. Candidates affiliated with Awami League (AL) took 306 of 463 upazila councils, strengthening party’s mandate.
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Bangladesh
| 5 Jan 2009
Largely peaceful 29 Dec polls yielded decisive victory for Awami League (AL), with 230 of 300 seats amid 70% turnout. 2-year state of emergency lifted 17 Dec in advance of polls. Full campaigning began 12 Dec after caretaker govt lifted restrictions on rallies. BNP, which won only 29 of 300 parliamentary seats, initially announced would protest some irregularities in polls, but 1 Jan accepted defeat. AL-led alliance to hold commanding majority in parliament with 262 seats; BNP MPs yet to take oath of office but indicate they will work with new govt even as ongoing post-poll violence between AL and BNP supporters killed 4. AL head Sheikh Hasina and govt due to be sworn in 6 Jan. Supreme Court 19 Dec ruled jailed candidates may contest polls.
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Items 1 - 50 of 106