Authorities have come up with new legislation to fend off suspected efforts from Chinese and other foreign entities to acquire sensitive technologies. When South Korea's Ministry of Trade and Industry submitted revisions to laws covering industrial espionage to the country's legislature in November, it was widely accepted that the new provisions were designed to fend off alleged attempts by Chinese companies and the government in Beijing to access secret technologies.   But reports that authorities are investigating one of the 15 Indonesian engineers working at Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) on the joint development of the KF-21 fighter jet, on suspicion he stole critical technologies, indicate that South Korea has a similar problem with nations that it considers allies and business partners. Revisions to the Act on Prevention of Divulgence and Protection of Industrial Technology are presently being considered in the National Assembly and are due to go into effect six months after they are approved. The new laws significantly increase the penalties for leaking intellectual property to foreign companies and organizations, hiking the maximum penalty from 1.5 billion Korean won (€1.05 million, $1.12 million) at present to 6.5 billion won (€4.5 million) and to 3 billion won (€2.1 million) for less critical technology. Industrial spying cases rise The new punishments were overdue, say experts, as the rising number of industrial espionage cases shows that not enough is being done to protect home-grown technology, thereby compromising national security. According to the government, 14 cases of industrial espionage were detected in 2019, but that increased to 23 cases in 2023. The majority of the incidents involved cutting-edge semiconductor technologies, an area in which South Korean firms are among the world leaders. The Korea Times newspaper reported that four employees of a display equipment manufacturer affiliated with Samsung Electronics were arrested in January for passing on technology to China-based PNC Process System. The theft caused "irreparable damage to the country's semiconductor industry," prosecutors were quoted as saying, as well as financial damages worth 210 billion won. "These events keep happening, and are a strong indicator of the problems that Korean companies and the government are having in dealing with critical questions over the security of our technology," said Park Jung-won, a professor of international law at Dankook University. "I worry that many people look at the Indonesian case and are dismissing it as a relatively trivial matter," he told DW. "We need to look at this in light of all the other similar scandals that are impacting national security and even our democracy," Park said.  "We need to be better at protecting technology that is designed to ensure our security and our democracy," he added.  Data theft on new fighter jet He admitted, however, to being taken aback that an Indonesian engineer is suspected of attempting to steal Korean technology on an aircraft that the two nations are developing together. According to media reports after the leak was announced on February 2, investigators are deciphering more than 6,000 encrypted files on a number of storage devices that were taken by the engineer. The man was detained as he attempted to pass through a security checkpoint at the development facility for the aircraft on January 17 and is undergoing questioning. The engineer is understood to have been working on the project since 2017 and there is concern that he has been stealing key technological data for some time. Dan Pinkston, a professor of international relations at the Seoul campus of Troy University, is far less surprised that purported partners — either private companies or governments — would attempt to take advantage out of every economic opportunity. "It is not much of a shock that states do this and try to acquire secret or sensitive technology, whether that is at the state level of a private company," he said. However, he added that the greatest threat to South Korea's technological secrets still comes from China. 'Whole of society' approach "Beijing uses a 'whole of society' approach to acquiring technology," he told DW. "Under Chinese law, any Chinese citizen who is asked to cooperate with the collection of information or technology, either legally or illegally, is obliged to do so." In addition to that, Chinese companies or state-run cyber infiltration units are adept at accessing the computer systems of foreign companies or governments and gathering useful information, he said. And that means it is up to all foreign firms and governments to implement defensive measures that are able to keep intruders at bay. The theft of data and the loss that causes to a company or the threat posed by a foreign power having inside information on any government's policies, particularly defense, "are a huge incentive to those secrets being protected," said Pinkston. "The growth of cyber espionage has changed the landscape and there is now a greater need for collaboration between private companies and their governments to protect their knowledge and secrets."  

A man was arrested and booked in Rawalpindi on Saturday in connection with the desecration of the Bible, Dawn reported. Dawn is a Pakistani English-language newspaper. The incident came to light after a video showing a man insulting the Holy Book with a slipper surfaced on Twitter. The Rawalpindi police in response to the video stated that the suspect was “swiftly traced” and apprehended through “prompt law enforcement action”. The police further stated that an “exemplary punishment” would be meted out to the suspect following a “thorough and merit-based” investigation. Rawalpindi Regional Police Officer Syed Khurram Ali told Dawn the arrest was made earlier in the day. He further stated that the suspect will be presented in court tomorrow (Sunday) to secure his physical remand, enabling the commencement of the interrogation process. A case regarding the incident was filed at the Morgah police station based on a complaint lodged by Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Naveed Aslam, invoking Section 298 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), which pertains to uttering words with a deliberate intent to wound religious feelings, as per Dawn. ASI Aslam in the first information report, a copy of which is available with Dawn, explained that he “saw a viral video on social media in which an individual was seen disrespecting Christianity and the Bible”. PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal termed the incident a “shameful act”. “Where Islam teaches respect for one’s beliefs, it also teaches respect for the beliefs of others. It is the responsibility of the state to provide religious protection to its citizens,” he said, adding that society collectively had to eliminate such behaviour.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has responded to the Wagner Group and its leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in a speech to the nation. He said the actions of the rebels was a "betrayal" that will be punished.  Wagner leader hits back at Putin Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin has responded to President Vladimir Putin's "betrayal" comments, suggesting in fact that the mercenary group's soldiers are Russian "patriots." Prigozhin also said that Wagner forces would not be turning themselves in on the orders of Putin. Earlier on Saturday, Putin said Wagner fighters were traitors who must be punished. Wagner assault 'unprecedented' in Russia Correspondent Roman Goncharenko said the reports of a Wagner Group mutiny could be a turning point for Russia. "We’ve never seen anything like this in recent Russian history," he said. "Taking control of Rostov-on-Don, or at the least part of Rostov-on-Don where the headquarters of the Russian army is, is an unprecedented move and it shows how weak the Russian military is," he added. The Wagner Group has taken on semi-official military responsibilities since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, but in recent months Yevgeny Prigozhin has turned against Putin and blamed Russia’s armed forces for losses on the battlefield. "It is a gigantic experiment that (Putin) started by invading Ukraine, and now things are developing in a very bad direction for him," Goncharenko said. In an address early on Saturday, Putin made comparisons to how World War I led to revolution and civil war inside Russia in 1917. "Putin is absolutely right to draw comparisons," Roman Goncharenko said.  "This is where Russia is heading now, but we are not there yet." Russia fighting for 'its future,' says Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin has responded to the Wagner Group's rebellion, telling the nation it was facing its "toughest battle for its future." In an address to the country, Putin described Yevgeny Prigozhin's actions — in calling for an uprising against the Kremlin — an "armed mutiny" and told the rebels they will face "inevitable punishment" for their "betrayal." Putin did admit the situation in Rostov-on-Don was "difficult" following Wagner's claims it had seized control of the airport and army headquarters in the city near the Ukrainian border. "There will be decisive measures taken on stabilizing the situation in Rostov-on-Don," Putin told the nation. Russian military hit back: Voronezh official The governor of Russia's southern region of Voronezh, Alexander Gusev, said Saturday that the Russian army were "carrying out necessary operational and combat measures" to fend off the Wagner Group's efforts to topple the country's senior military leadership. Poland 'monitors' while UK says Russia facing 'most significant challenge in recent times' Britain's Ministery of Defence (MOD) said in an intelligence update that "the coming hours" may be decisive as "to how this crisis plays out" as Russian security forces face a test of "loyalty" to the Kremlin over the "feud" between Wagner and Moscow's military. The MOD said that Wagner units were heading north through Vorenezh Oblast and were "aiming to get to Moscow."  Meanwhile, on Saturday morning, Poland's president held "consultations" with the prime minister and defense ministry about "the situation in Russia." "The course of events beyond our eastern border is monitored on an ongoing basis," Andrzej Duda wrote on Twitter. Russia will 'guarantee safety' of Wagner fighters who stop rebelling The Russian army on Saturday said it would "guarantee the safety" of Wagner mercenaries who stop rebelling against the Russian government and its military.   "We are appealing to the fighters of assault squads of PMC Wagner. You were deceived into (Wagner chief's Yevgeny) Prigozhin's criminal venture and participation in an armed rebellion," the army said in a statement. It called on the fighters to ask for help to return to "places of permanent deployment."  "We ask you to show reason and get in touch with representatives of Russia's defense ministry or law enforcement. We guarantee safety for all."  Moscow declares state of emergency The city of Moscow the capital's region has declared a counterterrorism state of emergency against the backdrop of the armed uprising by Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin. "In order to prevent possible terrorist attacks in the city and Moscow region, a regime of counterterrorism operations has been established," Russia's National Antiterrorism Committee said on Saturday morning.  Armored vehicles in front of parliament in Moscow Armored vehicles have appeared in the center of Moscow in the wake of the power struggle between Wagner and the Kremlin.  "Security measures have been increased in Moscow, all important objects, such as organs of state power and objects of transport infrastructure, have been put under heightened guard," the state news agency TASS reported. Putin to 'address' nation 'soon' Russian President Vladimir Putin will "soon" address the nation, the Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed on Saturday. Russia is in the midst of a rebellion from the Wagner mercenary group, led by its chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, who has vowed to topple Moscow's military.  Wagner chief claims he's seized Rostov army HQ and airport The head of the Wagner mercenary group says his troops have occupied key military objects in the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don, as Yevgeny Prigozhin ramps up his challenge to the Kremlin. "Under our control are military objects of Rostov, including the airport," Prigozhin said in a video released on Saturday morning.  He also claimed to have seized control of the army's headquarters in Rostov-on-Don, a city with a population of over 1 million near the border with Ukraine. Prigozhin's claims, however, could not be independently verified. Unverified videos show soldiers in Rostov-on-Don Following claims by Prigozhin that his Wagner forces had crossed from Ukraine into Russia and were on their way to the city of Rostov-on-Don, numerous videos began to appear on social media showing soldiers and tanks moving around inside the city. Reuters was able to verify that the footage was of the police headquarters building, but could not say when it was taken. Local news site 161.ru said that their correspondent has seen tanks and armored vehicles in the center of the city. Rostov is the headquarters of the Russian Southern Military District, a key hub for Russian forces and close to the Ukrainian border. The footage could not be verified and it was also not possible to determine whether the forces shown were Russian military or Wagner mercenaries. Russia: Moscow mayor says 'anti-terror' measures in place in capital city Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said they were taking "anti-terrorist" measures to secure the Russian capital. "In connection with the incoming information in Moscow, anti-terrorist measures aimed at strengthening security are being taken," Sobyanin said on Telegram. The feud between the Wagner Group and the Russian defense leadership escalated into a confrontation after the mercenary group called on members to support an armed rebellion against the military leadership. Prigozhin: Russian helicopter that fired on 'civilian column' shot down Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of Wagner Group, said in his latest audio message that: "A helicopter just now opened fire at a civilian column. It has been shot down by units of [private military company] Wagner." Prigozhin's short message was not independently confirmed by other sources. It was also unclear what he meant by a civilian column. If true, fighting between Wagner mercenary forces and Russian military troops would mark a serious escalation in the clash between Prigozhin and the Kremlin. Russia: Putin briefed on situation 'around the clock' Russian President Vladimir Putin is receiving regular updates on the situation, the Kremlin said. "Security services, law enforcement agencies, namely, the Defense Ministry, the FSB, the Interior Ministry, the National Guard are reporting to the president constantly, around the clock," Dmitry Peskov, the spokesman for Putin, was quoted as saying by Russian media outlets. Putin has not yet made any comments on Prigozhin's rant against high-level Russian officials and the progress of the war in Ukraine. White House: Monitoring situation in Russia US National Security Council spokesman Adam Hodge said they were "monitoring the situation and will be consulting with allies and partners on these developments." Hodge added that US President Joe Biden had been briefed about the fast-moving situation in Russia. Prigozhin: Ready to 'go all the way' as mercenary forces cross from Ukraine into Russia Wagner head Yevgeny Prigozhin said his forces had crossed the border from Ukraine into Russia and that they were ready to go "all the way" in their challenge to the Russian military. The Wagner chief said his forces had crossed the border into the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don and added his men would destroy anyone who stood in their way.  Prigozhin's claims have not been independently verified, nor has there been any video footage of Wagner troops crossing into Russia.  DW analyst: Russian forces may face off against Wagner troops DW's Russia analyst Konstantin Eggert said that "it's a possibility" that Russian troops may end up facing off against Wagner mercenary forces. Eggert said that the Kremlin has ordered the mobilization of the special police forces as well as the FSB state security agency. "There will be forces that will, I think, eventually confront the Wagner group if they decide to go into battle," he said. "But it still remains to be seen." Unverified reports on Telegram said that Prigozhin's Wagner forces had crossed into Russia from Ukraine without any resistance from Russian border guards. If Russian President Vladimir Putin does not appear on television soon to address the situation, "it will look really strange, it will look like weakness and I think that it will have a lasting effect on Putin's regime no matter what the outcome of this particular crisis is," Eggert said.  Russia: Ukraine taking advantage of spat to ready troops near Bakhmut The Russian Defense Ministry accused Ukrainian troops of taking advantage of the infighting between the Wagner group and the Russian military to prepare its troops for an assault on Bakhmut. "Taking advantage of Prigozhin's provocation to disorganize the situation, the Kyiv regime near the Bakhmut front is concentrating units... for offensive actions," the ministry was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies.   Russian forces declared control of Bakhmut in May, but Ukrainian forces have made it difficult for Russia to hold on to the city as they shape up a counteroffensive to take back territories. Russia: Prigozhin could face up to 20 years in prison The Russian Prosecutor General's Office said on Telegram that Prigozhin's actions could see him sentenced to 12 to 20 years behind bars. The office said Prigozhin was charged under Article 279 of the Russian Criminal Code for organizing an armed insurrection. "His actions will be given a proper legal assessment," it added.  Security has been reportedly tightened in Moscow  Security was boosted around government buildings, transport facilities and other key locations in Moscow, Russia state media TASS reported. The new measures came after the head of Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, unleashed a challenge to Russia's military leadership, calling for an armed rebellion aimed at ousting Russia’s defense minister. How has Ukraine reacted? Ukraine has said it is monitoring the infighting between Prigozhin and the Russian military leadership. "We are watching," the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense said. Russia: Prigozhin's claims not based in fact The Russian National Anti-Terrorism Committee has criticized claims by Prigozhin regarding the alleged attack on Wagner forces. "The allegations spread in the name of Yevgeny Prigozhin have no basis in fact. That is why the FSB has initiated criminal proceedings on the basis of these statements for calling for an armed coup," the committee said. Prigozhin, the outspoken leader of the Wagner Group, has feuded publicly with Russia's defense heads for months, accusing them of battlefield failures in the war in Ukraine. On Friday, the Wagner chief accused Russia's military forces of striking and killing his mercenary forces. Russia's defense ministry has denied the claim.   Russia: FSB urges Wagner troops to ignore Prigozhin's orders The Russian Federal Security Service or the FSB has urged Wagner troops to ignore Prigozhin's calls for resistance and urged them to detain the Wagner leader. "Prigozhin's statements and actions are in fact a call to start an armed civil conflict on the territory of the Russian Federation and a stab in the back to Russian servicemen fighting pro-fascist Ukrainian forces," the FSB said. Russian commander urges Wagner forces to obey military leadership A deputy commander of Russia's war on Ukraine, General Sergei Surovikin, called on Wagner members to not oppose military leadership. "I urge you to stop," Surovikin said in a video. "The enemy is waiting for the internal political situation to worsen in our country."  "Before it is too late, it is necessary and it is needed to obey the will and order of the popularly elected President of the Russian Federation," Surovikin added. Putin aware of Prigozhin situation Russian President Vladimir Putin has been informed of the situation regarding Prigozhin, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said. Peskov said "all necessary measures were being taken" after Prigozhin urged Russians to join him in resistance against Russian military leaders. Prigozhin was a close friend of the Russian president and was once known as "Putin's chef." Although Prigozhin has been critical of the Russian military and its handling of the war in Ukraine, he has refrained from criticizing Putin by name. Russia launches criminal probe into Wagner chief Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) launched a criminal probe into Wagner head Yevgeny Prigozhin on Friday, accusing him of attempting a "mutiny." Earlier on Friday, Prigozhin accused the Russian military of attacking his forces in Ukraine.  "We were ready to make concessions to the defense ministry, surrender our weapons," Prigozhin said in an audio message. "Today, seeing that we have not been broken, they conducted missile strikes at our rear camps. A huge number of our fighters, our comrades died." Russia has denied it attacked Prigozhin's forces. Prigozhin has called on volunteers to join him after the alleged Russian attack. "This is not a military coup. This is a march for justice," Prigozhin said. 

The stay order on suspension of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia’s punishment is going to be extended. In this regard the law ministry has sent the file of approval to the home ministry. The information was delivered by Law, Justice and Parliament Affairs Minister Anisul Huq on Monday. The minister said, we have sent the file after giving our recommendation to extend the stay order of the punishment for another six months. Now home ministry will take rest of the decisions. Begum Khaleda Zia was awarded 17 years imprisonment after being convicted in connection with the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case. She had been imprisoned since February 8, 2018. The government on March 25 last year released the 76 years old former prime minister for six months on the basis of conditions after 25 months of serving the jail term. Later the stay was extended for more six months which is going to be concluded on March 25. On March 2 this year Khaleda Zia’s brother Shamim Iskander appealed before the home ministry to extend the stay on suspension of imprisonment. Appeal was also made whether the punishment could be cancelled or not. AH    

Law Minister Anisul Huq has said that the government is taking steps to revise the current law related to rape and upgrade the punishment to death penalty. The proposal of the revised law will be tabled in the next ministerial meeting on Monday. He said, the decision has been taken following the direction of the Prime Minister. According to the current woman and child repression prohibition act-2000 there are some provisions for punishment related to rape and rape related death, such as- If a man committed rape to any woman or child then he will be awarded life term rigorous imprisonment and also be fined. If death of a woman or child would occur following rape then the culprit will be punished to death sentence or lifetime rigorous imprisonment and also will be fined at least taka one lakh. If death occurs to the victim of gang rape then the perpetrators each will be awarded death penalty or lifetime rigorous imprisonment and will also be fined at least one lakh taka. AH     

Bangladesh has communicated with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to bring back bodies of 26 people who were killed in a gun attack in Libya and sought compensation for their families. Bangladesh has also sought information on the traffickers and demanded punishment of those involved in human trafficking and killing. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen shared the updates on Friday afternoon. He said six out of 11 injured Bangladesh citizens have fully recovered and Bangladesh Mission in Libya is in touch with them to get further details on the incident. At least 26 Bangladesh citizens were killed while 11 others injured in a gun attack reportedly by some human traffickers in Libya on Thursday. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and Bangladesh Ambassador to Libya Sk Sekander Ali confirmed UNB about the incident on Thursday night. Different international media also reported the incident claiming that the family of a Libyan trafficker killed 30 migrants in revenge for his death. “Of the injured, 11 are out of danger and they have been moved to Tripoli Medical Centre,” Sk Sekander Ali told UNB. They have been killed in the town of Mizda, which is 180 kilometers away from Tripoli, said the Embassy. The Embassy came to know about the incident over phone from one of the Bangladeshi survivors who took shelter in a Libyan family after the incident. The family of a slain Libyan human trafficker attacked a group of migrants in a town that recently changed hands amid the fighting over the country’s capital, killing 26 Bangladeshi and four African migrants, AP reported quoting the Tripoli government. There was scant information about the attack in the statement issued by the U.N.-supported government in Tripoli. But the U.N. migration agency said the migrants were shot and killed on Wednesday in a smuggling warehouse in the desert town of Mizdah, where a group of migrants were being held. The slayings underscore the perils that migrants face in Libya, where violence and lawlessness have created a haven for smugglers to operate along the North African country’s coastline. The government statement said migrants had killed a local trafficker in Mizdah, near Tripoli, allegedly prompting his family to take revenge and kill the 30 migrants. Eleven migrants were wounded in the rampage, it added, and taken to a hospital in the western mountain town of Zintan. Other migrants in critical condition were rushed to clinics in Tripoli, said the International Organization for Migration, adding that some appeared to be victims of abuse. The Interior Ministry in Tripoli issued an arrest warrant for the suspected attackers, the government also said. “This senseless crime is bleak reminder of the horrors migrants have to endure at the hands of smugglers and traffickers in Libya,” said IOM’s Libya Chief of Mission Federico Soda, urging Libyan authorities to launch an immediate investigation into the killings and hold the perpetrators accountable. Migrants fleeing poverty and conflict in Africa and the Middle East typically pass through Libya on their way to Europe, departing Tripoli’s rocky coast in inflatable dinghies. The Libyan coast guard, trained by the EU to keep migrants from reaching European shores, intercepts boats at sea and returns them to Libya, where many migrants land in detention centers rife with torture and abuse. On Thursday, the coast guard rescued 211 migrants, including women and children, in the Mediterranean Sea and brought them back to Libya’s shore, said Safa Msehli, an IOM spokeswoman. The number of those fleeing Libya’s conflict has sharply risen in recent weeks, according to the U.N. migration agency, as the battle for control of the capital intensifies. In the past week alone, nearly 700 migrants were stopped and returned to detention facilities. Militias loosely allied with the Tripoli government have been defending the country’s capital from a year-long offensive by eastern-based forces trying to capture it. Source: UNB AH

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday said the government will surely mete out maximum punishment to the culprits, enacting tougher laws, if necessary, to prevent the growing incidents of sexual harassment. “There’ll be no mercy for those involved in sexual harassments… if necessary, we’ll enact tougher laws and mete out maximum punishment to those who commit such crimes,” she said pointing at the brutal killing of Feni madrasa girl Nusrat Jahan Rafi. The Prime Minister came up with the remarks joining the discussion on a resolution placed in Parliament urging parliaments, governments and citizens of all the countries of the world to put up resistance against terror incidents and sexual harassments. Reports UNB. Mentioning that militancy and terrorism are not only a problem of Bangladesh but also a global one, Sheikh Hasina said her government will do whatever necessary to combat the menaces. Treasury bench MP Tofail Ahmed placed the proposal in the House, which was passed by voice vote after around a four-hour marathon discussion on it. In the resolution, Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad expressed its deep hatred and anger at the huge casualties in the terror attacks in New Zealand Christchurch mosques, Sri Lankan churches and hotels where Zayan Chowdhury who is a grandson of Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Health Ministry Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim was killed, as well as sexual harassment towards madrasa student Nusrat and burning her to death in Sonagazi upazila of Feni. The Prime Minister renewed her call to the people of the country to inform intelligence agencies instantly if they come to know about any suspicious activity in order to tackle militancy and terrorism in the country. “I would like to urge the people of country to inform our intelligence agencies instantly if you sense any abnormal activity so that we can face it and save people’s lives and property,” she said. Terming Nusrat a brave girl, the Prime Minister said she neither bowed down to injustice nor agreed to withdraw the case filed against the principal of her madrasa. “After the incident, efforts were made to label Nusrat as a characterless one. She was burnt to death for showing this courage,” she said. “Some leaders of our party were associated with this principal. I instantly directed police telling them that I don’t want to see who belong to which party. Criminals are criminals. They (the leaders) were arrested immediately. Such incidents can never be accepted,” she said. Sheikh Hasina firmly said the government will surely take action against those involved in such incidents, no matter whatever their political affiliation and views are. Later, Parliament unanimously adopted the resolution urging parliaments, governments and citizens of all countries of the world to put up resistance against terror incidents and sexual harassments. Awami League MPs Amir Hossain Amu, Mohammad Nasim, Meher Afroze, Shajahan Khan, Mahbubul Alam Hanif, Moyeen Uddin Khan Badal and Aroma Dutta, Opposition Chief Whip Mashiur Rahman Ranga, Jatiya Party MPs Fakhrul Imam, Kazi Firoz Rashid and Dr Rustum Ali Faraji, Workers’ Party president Rashed Khan Menon and Jasod MP Shirin Akter, among others, participated in the discussion over the resolution. AH

BNP has demanded for trial of Election Commission Secretary (EC) Helal Uddin Ahmed, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia, EC Joint Secretary Farhad Ahmed Khan and Deputy Commissioner of Police of concerned zone following the incidents of vehicles burning and clash between police and BNP leaders-activists centering nomination papers distribution in front of BNP central office at Nayapaltan. BNP submitted the letter regarding the demand to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) KM Nurul Huda on Tuesday afternoon. Allegation was made in the letter that the incident of clash took place on the third day of nomination papers distribution after getting the letter from EC over abiding by election code of conduct. A delegation led by Joint Secretary General of BNP Moazzem Hossain Alal went to EC and submitted the letter in this regard. The letter signed by BNP Secretary General and Jatiya Oikya Front spokesman Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir demanded this trial. It was mentioned in the letter, on the following day of declaring election schedule on November 8 by the EC hurriedly, the ruling party began distribution of nomination papers by blocking roads and creating traffic congestion. The nomination aspirants went to Awami League office at Dhanmondi from different areas boarded on motorcycles, cars and pickups and collected nomination papers by blocking roads. Besides, two people were killed following clashes within the party candidates. At that time no police activity was seen. But during the distribution of BNP nomination papers the EC Secretary and DMP Commissioner were irritated after seeing the spontaneous flow of people in front of BNP office. Repression came upon BNP in the name of said code of conduct. EC Secretary termed it as violation of election code of conduct. It is a discriminating attitude. The direction of maintaining code of conduct by the EC on November 13 hindered participation of leaders and workers and the supporters. Besides, in the letter it was mentioned that EC Secretary Helal Uddin Ahmed’s delivered speech was confusing and the speech of DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia hinted about originating the incident. The letter questioned- this type of incident did not take place in the gathering of Awami League but how it took place for BNP on November 14? The letter claimed that in this ‘terrorist’ attack many BNP leaders-activists were injured and cases filed against them. Police accused 472 leaders-activists in the three cases filed against them. Police arrested 70 persons and 32 leaders-activists were remanded. AH               

Secretary General of BNP Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, we are saying that the proposed Road Transport Act is inconsistent. Why nothing is said about punishment for the transport owners there? Though the act is not passed. We hope, the government will include demands of the students in the act before passing it. He said these after holding 20-party alliance meeting at the BNP Chairperson’s political office at Gulshan in the capital on Tuesday. Mirza Fakhrul said, during quota reform movement Prime Minister told the parliament, there will be no quota. But later she moved away from her declaration showing court order as an excuse. He said, in the proposed law demands of the students were not reflected. Government also cheated with this movement like the quota reform movement. The demand of the students was capital punishment for the drivers if they kill people by reckless driving. But the highest punishment is kept only five years imprisonment in the new law. BNP standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan said, 20-party alliance have full support on the movement of students for their demand of safe roads. The alliance hoped that government would implement the 9-point demands of the students. But the government not doing that conducted repression on the protesting students by police and terrorists of the ruling party. Nazrul Islam Khan said, we strongly condemn the attack on students. The leaders of 20-party alliance also condemn the attack on journalists and demand unconditional release of the arrested people throughout the country including photographer Shahidul Alam. The 20-party alliance leaders in the meeting also condemned and protested the incident of filing case of harassment against BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. AH              

An appeal was filed on Sunday by Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) seeking harsher punishment to BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia in Zia Orphanage Trust graft case in which she was earlier sentenced to five years of imprisonment, reports UNB. ACC lawyers submitted the appeal to the office concerned of the High Court in the morning.  “We have completed the affidavit of the appeal seeking harsher punishment for Khaleda Zia in the Zia Orphanage Trust Graft case," said Khurshid Alam Khan, one of lawyers for the ACC. Earlier on March 19, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court stayed BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia’s bail till May 8 in the graft case.  The SC also allowed the state and the ACC to file petitions against HC order that granted bail to Khaleda fixing May 8 for next hearing. It also ordered the ACC and state to submit the concise statement of appeals within two weeks and BNP within four weeks. On March 12, the High Court granted a four-month interim bail to Khaleda Zia. On February 8 last, the Dhaka Special Court-5 convicted the BNP chief and sentenced her to five years' imprisonment in the case. She was then sent to old central jail at Nazimuddin Road in the city. A 632-page summarised version of the verdict was read out by the court on that day and on February 19 the court released the full 1174-page copy of the verdict.   FU