BANGLADESH GOVT APPROVES DEATH SENTENCE FOR TERRORISTS

the Bangladesh government approved the Anti-Terrorism Ordinance, enacted by the previous interim government, having provisions of capital punishment for the terrorists. "If any person is found guilty of carrying out terrorist activities, he or she will be awarded the death sentence or life imprisonment or maximum 20 years and minimum three years rigorous imprisonment," read the law which also empowers Bangladesh Bank to freeze accounts of suspected terrorists. The law suggests that if anyone commits murder inflicting grievous injury keeping anyone confined, kidnapping or damages property to create panic among the people or government, or jeopardises the country's security, sovereignty and integrity by using explosives, arms and chemicals, he or she will be charged with terrorist offences. Officials said the cabinet approved the ordinance despite an expert committee recommendation as the law suggests all crimes under the ordinance to be treated as cognisable and non-bailable offences and their trial to be conducted in speedy special tribunals.