Zia will be held for unleashing terror: Hasina Dhaka: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday warned her arch-rival Khaleda Zia (pic) that she will be held for unleashing terror and killing people in the name of anti-government protests. “We believe in justice, the opposition leader will be charged for giving orders for killing and burning people to death in the name of movement...her trial would be held on Bangladesh soil, and we will hold this trial," she said.

Dhaka, December 26
The Bangladesh police today laid a siege around the residence of opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief Khaleda Zia, ahead of a massive anti-government rally planned in the capital demanding postponement of the January 5 elections.

Witnesses said the police in riot gears took positions around Zia's house barring party activists and visitors' entry into its premises at up market Gulshan area.

However, it was not clear if the 68-year-old former Prime Minister was kept under house arrest. “We have been working for whatever we think required to maintain law and order and security of all,” police commissioner Benajir Ahmed told reporters without elaboration.

But Zia's international affairs adviser Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury was quoted as saying in media reports that "since yesterday she has been under virtual house arrest" and alleged that it was part of a government move to foil the December 29 'march for democracy'. Police officials, however, rejected the claim that Zia was detained and said they were ordered just to intensify the security of her residence and other party leaders.

TV news channels reported that the police detained BNP lawmaker Shammi Akhtar from in front of Zia's house late last night. On December 24, Zia urged people to march towards Dhaka on December 29 from all over the country to "protect democracy" after the 18-party opposition alliance wrapped up their nearly month-long blockade, sparking violence that claimed over 130 lives.

Meanwhile, the army was deployed across the country to contain deadly political violence ahead of the elections, even as nine policemen were injured in attacks by opposition activists. "The armed forces have been deployed to help the civil administration," an army statement said. The troops would act "as a striking force" until January 9 in line with the Election Commission's decision. — PTI

Bangkok, December 26
Thailand's embattled government today rejected the Election Commission's plea to postpone the February 2 snap polls after fresh street violence here left a policeman dead and nearly 100 others injured.

Police Sergeant Major Narong Pitisit, 45, died of injuries sustained in the clash with opposition protesters at the Thai-Japanese Stadium, where candidates were filing their nominations for the elections.

Medical officials said he was shot in the chest and suffered severe blood loss. Nearly 100 people, including policemen, were injured during clashes.

In a statement, the EC said its recommendation to delay the polls was due to the violence that started after police fired teargas and rubber bullets at stone-throwing mobs trying to enter the stadium.

"A failure to handle the situation could possibly lead to more violence and if the election is held as scheduled that violence could escalate and result in chaos and casualties," the statement said adding, "The EC has earlier signalled its concerns of more violence in the country." But, Premier Yingluck Shinawatra's government rejected the EC's call for delay in the polls. "The Election Commission said holding elections will bring violence but the government believes delaying an election will cause more violence," Deputy Prime Minister Phongthep Thepkanjana said.

The opposition Democrat Party has already announced its plans to boycott the polls. The protesters led by Democrat Party leader Suthep Thaugsuban want Yingluck to quit and have demanded the polls be delayed. They want the government to stand down and be replaced by an un-elected "people's council". — PTI

Juba, December 26
Fighting persisted in parts of South Sudan's oil-producing region as African leaders today tried to advance peace talks between the country's president and the political rivals he accuses of attempting a coup that the government insists sparked violence threatening to destroy the world's newest country.

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn met with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir today. A senior government official warned that Riek Machar, the former vice president who now allegedly commands renegade forces in the states of Unity and Upper Nile, had to renounce rebellion before the government could negotiate with him.

Michael Makuei Leuth, South Sudan's information minister, said the government has not yet established formal contact with Machar. — AP

Islamabad, December 26
A Pakistani court today ruled that former military ruler Pervez Musharraf]s objections to the special court set up to try him for treason had no legal status.

The Islamabad High Court, which has already rejected Musharraf's three petitions against the special court, gave its detailed ruling in an 11-page order issued today.

In his pleas, Musharraf had said the notification for the formation of the special court should be cancelled as it was not in accordance with the Constitution and law.

But the High Court made it clear that his objections to the formation of the special court to try him for treason for imposing emergency in 2007 had no legal status.

The government had announced on November 18 that the 70-year-old former army chief would be tried for high treason for conspiring against the Constitution and overthrowing the superior judiciary.

Musharraf is scheduled to appear in the special court on January 1.

This is the first time that a military ruler has been put on trial for treason in Pakistan. If convicted, Musharraf could face life imprisonment or the death penalty. — PTI