News in Brief

Hasina greets new Saudi king, Greek PM
Diplomatic Correspondent

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday congratulated Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud on his becoming the new king of Saudi Arabia, and Alexis Tsipras, president of Syriza party of Greece, for his party's victory in the parliamentary election.
In a message of felicitations to the king, she said his statesmanship would contribute to the greater unity and prosperity of the Islamic Ummah. Hasina said the bilateral relations that Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia had been enjoying for decades would be further strengthened in the coming days.
In a separate message to the new Greek prime minister, she hoped that the potentials of the bilateral relations would materialise to mutual benefits during his tenure.

Egyptian Embassy cancels Thursday's reception programme
Diplomatic Correspondent

The Egyptian embassy in Dhaka cancelled a reception programme scheduled for Thursday at Westin Hotel for the demise of Saudi King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz, said a press release.
The reception was due to be held to celebrate the 4th anniversary of the 25th January Egypt Revolution.
The Egyptian government declared seven days of national mourning for the Saudi King so all celebration programmes in and outside Egypt through Egyptian diplomatic missions had been cancelled.

Cops, RMG workers clash in Ashulia
Our Correspondent, Savar

Three workers of Birds Garments Ltd were injured yesterday when police baton-charged several hundred workers demonstrating for reopening the factory located in Buribazar of Ashulia.
The factory was declared shut on Thursday amid continuous demonstrations of workers which initially started with the demand of a 10 percent annual increment in salaries.
After being baton-charged, the demonstrators broke some windowpanes of nearby Fountain Garments Manufacturing Ltd with bricks, prompting police to beat them again, said police and witnesses. The injured needed first aid. Additional police were deployed.

Five hurt in Ctg shooting by thugs
Staff Correspondent, Ctg

Five people, including two children, were injured when a goon of Chittagong city's Bakalia area fired on locals after failing to grab a piece of land yesterday.
Imon Hasan, 13, son of Kabir, was admitted to Chittagong Medical College with multiple bullet wounds. Sayed Bin Abdullah Nahid, 15, and Md Mamun, Shafayet and Shabuj took first aid.
Arif and Jashim, along with locals, chased Kirich Babul and his 20 men who went to occupy the land which belongs to the former two, said police.
Babul fired on them while being chased away, said the locals. Police said they are not sure who actually did fire and also informed that Babul is absconding.

Indian high commission celebrates Republic Day
Unb, Dhaka

The Indian High Commission in Dhaka yesterday celebrated the country's 66th Republic Day at New Chancery Complex in Baridhara.
 High Commissioner Pankaj Saran unfurled the national flag in the morning, followed by rendering of their national anthem. Pankaj then read out a message from the Indian president and children performed in a cultural event.