Bangladesh - 11 died, not 2,500: DMP Commissioner Benazir.

Bangladesh - 11 died, not 2,500: DMP Commissioner Benazir.(TDS). An ill-motivated group has been campaigning that over 2,500 to 3,000 people died during the Motijheel operation,’ DMP Commissioner Benazir says at a press briefing Wednesday. Photo: TV grab

Trashing the claim of death of 2,500 to 3,000 Hefajat-e Islam activists merely as a rumour, Dhaka Metropolitan Police has said 11 people, including a policeman, died in Motijheel between Sunday and early Monday.

A vested ill-motivated group was campaigning that over 2,500 to 3,000 people had died during law enforcers’ drive to flush out Hefajat men from Shapla Chattar and adjoining areas, DMP Commissioner Benazir Ahmed said at a press briefing in the afternoon.

“Had the death figure reached so high (2,500-3,000), families of the victims would rush to Dhaka and claim for the bodies,” he told journalists at DMP Media Centre.

There were intelligence reports that Hefajat activists might have carried out rampage and looted Bangladesh Bank, the Secretariat and other important offices, Benazir said. “It is on the basis of that report that we conducted the drive without carrying any lethal weapons to ensure zero casualty,” he added.Read the full story here.

Muslims Riot, Jews Banned from Temple Mount.

Muslims Riot, Jews Banned from Temple Mount.(INN).Jews have been barred from the Temple Mount in Jerusalem until Sunday, the last day of Hannukah. The Temple Mount is the holiest site on earth according to Jewish tradition.
The ban is aimed at preventing a Muslim riot at the site. Riots are thought to be particularly likely following Friday prayers.
It follows riots and terror attacks in Judea and Samaria. Tensions were particularly high following two incidents in which soldiers shot Arab attackers in Hevron.
Jewish organizations dedicated to Temple Mount activism expressed upset at the police ban. “The police treat the Temple Mount like a Muslim site, and open it to others only when necessary for tourism, at times and on days that suit tourists,” activists accused.
“In comparison,” they continued, “Jewish residents of Israel are discriminated against.”
They called to leave the Temple Mount open to Jews on every Jewish holiday. “The police must consider the many who wish to ascend the Mount for prayers and visits on Jewish holidays, and to institute the model used in the Tomb of the Patriarchs,” they urged. The Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hevron is normally split between Jews and Muslims, but is opened in its entirety to each religion on its holidays.
Currently Jewish prayer is not allowed on the Temple Mount, again for fear of Muslim reactions. Jews are allowed to visit the holy site but can be arrested for praying or even moving their lips in what appears to be prayer.
Activist groups have intervened against such arrests, and have successfully lobbied police to ease anti-Jewish discrimination.Read the full story here.