DHAKA // Bangladeshi forces Saturday killed 11 suspected Islamist extremists including the new leader of a banned group behind a Dhaka cafe massacre, a minister said.
“Eleven extremists were killed. They are all members of the new JMB (Jamayetul Mujahideen Bangladesh),” Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan told AFP, referring to the outlawed group that killed 22 mostly foreign hostages at the cafe in July.
“The dead included Akash who was leading the new JMB after the death of Tamim Chowdhury,” he said, adding seven of the extremists were killed in a gunfight in Patertek, Gazipur district, just outside Dhaka, after they rejected an offer to surrender.
Police said Akash could be a code name for the slain JMB leader.
Chowdhury, a Canadian citizen of Bangladesh origin, was shot dead in a gunfight in August. Police said he was the leader of the JMB and behind the cafe attack.
The siege at Holey Artisan Bakery cafe in Dhaka’s posh Gulshan neighbourhood was the deadliest in a series of assaults claimed by Islamist groups which have blighted Bangladesh in the last three years.
The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack, posting photos of the carnage as it happened and pictures of the attackers holding IS flags online.
However, Bangladesh officials have rejected the claims, saying the new JMB led by Tamim was responsible for the bloodbath.
The minister said seven more suspected Islamist extremists were also arrested in raids in two industrial towns just outside the capital after they committed robberies to fund their activities.
“We have seized money from these extremists that they got through robbery,” he said.
He told reporters that Syed Ziaul Haque, the leader of another outlawed extremist group called Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) would soon be arrested.
“He is under our surveillance. He’ll be arrested anytime,” Khan said.
The ABT, also known as Ansar al Islam, is linked with Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent and has been blamed for a series of murders of atheist and secular bloggers who were critical of Islam.
Earlier in the day the elite Rapid Action Battalion launched two separate operations after being tipped off about the presence of Islamist extremists in a building in Gazipur, just outside Dhaka, and a three-storey structure in the northern district of Tangail.
“Four extremists were shot dead during a gunfight with the RAB in the two places. They are new JMB members,” RAB spokesman Mufti Mahmud Khan told AFP.
In the Tangail raid the RAB said the extremists fired at them from their hideout after shouting Allahu Akbar (Allah is the greatest), prompting officers to fire back.
“Two of our officers were injured during the gunfight,” local RAB chief Mohiuddin Faruqe told AFP.
Long dormant after their top leaders were executed in March 2007, the JMB has recently regrouped with young, university-educated extremists taking the helm.
Bangladesh has been reeling from a deadly wave of attacks in the last three years including on foreigners, rights activists and members of the country’s religious minorities.
Critics say Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s administration is in denial about the nature of the threat posed by Islamist extremists and accuse her of trying to exploit the attacks to demonise her domestic opponents.
Last month US Secretary of State John Kerry said during a visit to Dhaka that there was evidence to link the extremists behind the recent spate of deadly attacks in Bangladesh to IS.
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Company profile
Date started: 2015
Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki
Based: Dubai
Sector: Online grocery delivery
Staff: 200
Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
RESULT
Norway 1 Spain 1
Norway: King (90 4')
Spain: Niguez (47')
The biog
Favourite pet: cats. She has two: Eva and Bito
Favourite city: Cape Town, South Africa
Hobby: Running. "I like to think I’m artsy but I’m not".
Favourite move: Romantic comedies, specifically Return to me. "I cry every time".
Favourite spot in Abu Dhabi: Saadiyat beach
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
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5,30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,200m
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Winner: Taamol, Jim Crowley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
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Winner: Rmmas, Tadhg O’Shea, Jean de Roualle
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Why does a queen bee feast only on royal jelly?
Some facts about bees:
The queen bee eats only royal jelly, an extraordinary food created by worker bees so she lives much longer
The life cycle of a worker bee is from 40-60 days
A queen bee lives for 3-5 years
This allows her to lay millions of eggs and allows the continuity of the bee colony
About 20,000 honey bees and one queen populate each hive
Honey is packed with vital vitamins, minerals, enzymes, water and anti-oxidants.
Apart from honey, five other products are royal jelly, the special food bees feed their queen
Pollen is their protein source, a super food that is nutritious, rich in amino acids
Beewax is used to construct the combs. Due to its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial elements, it is used in skin treatments
Propolis, a resin-like material produced by bees is used to make hives. It has natural antibiotic qualities so works to sterilize hive, protects from disease, keeps their home free from germs. Also used to treat sores, infection, warts
Bee venom is used by bees to protect themselves. Has anti-inflammatory properties, sometimes used to relieve conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, nerve and muscle pain
Honey, royal jelly, pollen have health enhancing qualities
The other three products are used for therapeutic purposes
Is beekeeping dangerous?
As long as you deal with bees gently, you will be safe, says Mohammed Al Najeh, who has worked with bees since he was a boy.
“The biggest mistake people make is they panic when they see a bee. They are small but smart creatures. If you move your hand quickly to hit the bees, this is an aggressive action and bees will defend themselves. They can sense the adrenalin in our body. But if we are calm, they are move away.”
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Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
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Power: 712hp at 6,100rpm
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Transmission: 8-speed auto
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WOMAN AND CHILD
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APPLE IPAD MINI (A17 PRO)
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Directed by: Craig Gillespie
Starring: Emma Stone, Emma Thompson, Joel Fry
4/5
