The shipping routes off the coast of Bangladesh are among the most important in the world, but they're also some of the most dangerous because of rampant piracy. Al Jazeera's Nicholas Haque reports from the Bay of Bengal on pirates, as well as the shaky administration, whose job it is to combat this growing problem.
There has been widespread international condemnation of the series of shootings across the Indian city of Mumbai in which more than 100 people have been killed.
More than 100 people are dead after a series of attacks across Mumbai, India's financial capital. Parts of the city are still under siege after the attackers stormed luxury hotels, a popular restaurant, a crowded train station and a hospital.
Fire engulfs a part of the Taj Mahal Hotel as firemen try to douse it in Mumbai, India. Teams of heavily armed gunmen stormed luxury hotels, a popular restaurant, hospitals and a crowded train station in co-ordinated attacks across India's financial capital, killing at least 78 people.
> Image by AP
Teams of heavily armed gunmen stormed luxury hotels, a popular restaurant and a crowded train station in coordinated attacks across India's financial capital Wednesday night, killing at least 78 people and taking Westerners hostage.
Related links on the appalling terror attacks in Mumbai:
The death toll from the terrorists attack in Mumbai has risen to at least 87; 900 reported injured; attack still unfolding at locations.- In pictures: Mumbai attacks
Gunmen have launched co-ordinated attacks at several sites in the Indian city of Mumbai, killing scores. Police told people to stay inside.- India: Terror attacks continue in Mumbai
In what appears to be a surreal sense of reality, television channels are airing footage from various places in Southern Mumbai.- Scores killed in Mumbai attacks
"The terrorists have used automatic weapons and in some places grenades have been lobbed. The encounters are still going on and we are trying to overpower them," A.N. Roy, a senior police officer, said.- Mumbai gunmen kill 80, Western hostages taken
"The terrorists are throwing grenades at us from the rooftop of the Taj and trying to stop us," Ashok Patil, a police inspector told Reuters.
Shivnath Thukral reports for NDTV that fire is still being exchanged between the security forces and terrorists inside the historic Taj Hotel.
According to NDTV reports, three terrorists have been killed, while a number of gunmen remain at large inside the hotel compounds. Indian security forces are still struggling to bring the situation in control and authorities are advising people to stay away from the scene of the attacks, which include prominent city locations like the Trident Hotel.
Gunmen have carried out a series of co-ordinated attacks across the Indian city of Mumbai (Bombay), killing at least 80 people and injuring 200.
India is having its moment. Having shed the bonds of colonialism, years of bitter civil strife and a stagnant economy, the country boasts nine percent growth a year with a capable middle class and world-beating industry. But just beneath the veneer lies an underclass that has been left behind.
>> Kashmir Activists Don't See Guns as the Answer
In a new series for Al Jazeera, Divya Gopalan attempts to understand the real Mumbai by taking a culinary journey through its vibrant streets.
> Streets of Mumbai - Part one
In a new series for Al Jazeera, Divya Gopalan attempts to understand the real Mumbai by taking a culinary journey through its vibrant streets.
> Streets of Mumbai - Part two
Migrant workers from Bangladesh are part of a growing number who are being ripped off in highly organised scams. Workers are leaving their homes for the promise of security in Singapore, only to discover they have been duped.
Interview with Aamir Khan on CNN-IBN: Bollywood's most versatile performer.
> Aamir Khan Unplugged: Part one - Part two
Interview with Aamir Khan on CNN-IBN: Bollywood's most versatile performer.
> Aamir Khan Unplugged: Part one - Part three
At a press conference inaugurating his tenure as the thirteenth U.S. ambassador to Bangladesh, Mr. James Moriarty noted that "promoting democracy, ensuring development, and denying space to terrorism are the key challenges.
The United States, he said, "will remain a close partner to the people of Bangladesh in each of these areas." Mr. Moriarty expressed admiration for "the achievements of the Bangladeshi people who fought for decades to win the right to govern themselves and control their own destiny."
U.S. - Bangladesh Relations: Download mp3
Via VOA-News
Interview with Aamir Khan on CNN-IBN: Bollywood's most versatile performer.
> Aamir Khan Unplugged: Part two - Part three
Bangladesh is heading towards the path of becoming the third nuclear nation in South Asia. The topic came in discussion during meetings between the Chinese minister Yang Jiechi and Bangladesh's foreign advisor Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury.
The Chinese minister was on a two-day tour to Bangladesh recently.
The foreign advisor of Bangladesh said, China is a partner and the visit of Chinese minister would further strengthen this relationship.
´Our friendship is rooted in history, but like all relationships, ties between nations also have to be renewed and reinvigorated from time to time, and this visit was an occasion to do just that,´ the foreign adviser stated.
The Chinese foreign minister said, military cooperation is an important part of the overall bilateral relation between Bangladesh and China. Jiechi, who also met the army chief, General Moeen U Ahmed, made the remarks to journalists.
Via American Chronicle
Bangladeshi Foreign Affairs Adviser, Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury has said, the country needs to re-adjust its foreign-policy as a new era begins in Asia.
He said Asia is progressing fast in an unprecedented speed. So, the policies of Bangladesh need to be realigned with the global changes. Otherwise, the country would lag behind, a foreign office press release quoted him as saying.
Iftekhar said: "Perhaps, we do not realize that there is more reverse transfer of resources to those developed countries, who buy from us. We pay many times more in duties to them, than we receive in aid."
On the other hand, it is the booming economies of Asia that might help shape the future of Bangladesh. Power players of contemporary times are China, Japan, South Korea, ASEAN, India and Gulf states, he added.
Via Xinhua
