William Gomes

With a kitchen knife, the woman cuts off her husband’s penis, then stabs him to death. His physical abuse and his decision to take a new wife drove her to such action. Polygamy is legal in Bangladesh but is a rapidly waning social practice. Only 10 per cent of men have more than one wife.

For the past two years the Islamic cleric has claimed to be Jesus, while another declares to be an important Islamic leader of the past. The two work together and have raised thousands of faithful. But police say that, in fact, they preach religious hatred, and arrest them.

With 2.1 billion dollars invested and an export growth of 17.4% in 2009, Germany is the second economic partner of Bangladesh after the United States. More than 200 million euros spent by France in projects against pollution. The textile industry remains the main industry of Bangladesh.

The government plans to spend almost half a billion dollar to modernise its army, navy and air force. Segments of public opinion criticise the choice and want more money for health care and transport. Half of all Bangladeshis live below the poverty line.

The government authorises the country’s only crocodile farm to ship 67 specimens to a German university for research. Reptile Farm Ltd managing director says the product represents an important source of foreign exchange. The goal is to reach US$ 5,000,000 in earnings by 2015.

Narcotics cops arrest Pakhi Begum for illegal trafficking in medical drugs. The woman’s eldest daughter says police planted the evidence, a codeine bottle, to frame her. The widow is currently in prison along with her two youngest children.

About 1.76 million tonnes are estimated to be in the ground. Some minerals contain titanium. An Australian company has applied to develop the resources. It could help the country’s fledgling economy.

Sanjeeb Drong, an advocate for the rights of indigenous communities, and his wife Mitali Chisim have been injured. The attack is linked to the centennial celebrations of Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church. Human rights organisations and Christian leader slam the violence and demand security.

In the capital of Bangladesh the 45th Biswa Ijtema, annual conference that brings together faithful from 90 countries worldwide, was held. Indian religious leader urges Muslims to mission in a peaceful manner and strengthen the unity of the Islamic community.

Mother, daughter and nephew die of encephalitis caused by the Nipah virus (NiV) after drinking date juice contaminated by bat saliva. This is the first case this year, but medical experts fear the disease might spread and cause an outbreak.

Krishna Debnath is the daughter of a judge and law professor at Rajshahi University. She is grateful for the opportunity “to serve the nation” and work for “peace and justice”. The event is signal of openness in a Muslim country where women and members of religious minorities have been victims of violence.

Justice minister says decision to be confirmed in appeal. Fundamentalists protest; Islamic leader calls ruling a conspiracy, announces a "mass movement" to reinstate amendment.