Decision comes after Trump administration decertifies nation in drug war

Saifullah Arif's father alleges murder and cover-up, challenges police claim of rooftop fall

Final decision to be taken in meeting at President Paudel's residence

Meanwhile, escaped prisoners on the run

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched down in the Chinese city of Tianjin yesterday evening, Indian TV networks showed, a day before a summit that will be attended by leaders from more than 20 countries.

Thailand’s Constitutional Court yesterday dismissed prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office for an ethics violation after only a year in power, in another crushing blow to the Shinawatra political dynasty that could usher in a new period of turmoil.

Of 2,000 respondents, 81pc hopeful of a free, fair election

Party leader Salahuddin will lead the delegation

The BNP is planning to ramp up efforts to push for a national election by December but will avoid a direct conflict with the interim government, party sources have said.

The government must hold discussions with the political parties before finalising any decision on the proposed humanitarian channel to send aid to Myanmar’s Rakhine, National Citizen Party Member Secretary Akhter Hossain said yesterday.

Nahid Islam, an adviser to the interim government, thinks BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, by his demand for a neutral government, actually wants another controversial 1/11-styled government

The main responsibility of the interim government is to restore the people's right to vote by holding a neutral election after completing necessary electoral reforms, he added

Addressing an election rally in Seraikela, he also said a law would be brought to prevent transfer of land to "infiltrators" after their marriage to local tribal women.

Unless the interim government issues a roadmap to the next election in two to three months, the BNP may take to the streets in March or April next year, say top leaders of the party.

The BNP leader said this government lacks political desire, as its head has clearly stated he has no political ambitions

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir believes the Awami League should neither be barred from the national election nor be banned as a “fascist political party”, as both actions would undermine democratic practices.

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has blamed the BNP for undermining national interests by fostering hostile relations with India

Says EC additional secretary

Criticising Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader's remark, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said nothing actually happened behind the scenes as the democratic world stuck to their stance on the resignation of the current regime for a credible election

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen today said that Bangladesh would not make a special request seeking foreign observers, but it is ready to welcome any country’s decision to send observers for the upcoming national polls