Author Archives: caitlynretaleato

19 people sentenced to death in Bangladesh over 2004 grenade attack

It all started in 2004 at an anti-terrorism rally ran by the Awami League in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The attack occurred at the end of Sheikh Hasina’s speech. The attack killed 24 and injured 300 people including Hasina. What makes this attack standout against the rest of Bangladesh’s violent history, is the political magnitude. It was an attack on the democracy… Read more »

Amid attempt to limit electoral fraud, Taliban promises attacks

Aljazeera With a week to go until long-delayed parliamentary elections, Awrang Zib Zierak, a 38-year-old labourer in Afghanistan‘s capital city of Kabul, has decided to vote despite concerns about transparency and security. For Zierak, an election with risks of fraud and security threats is better than no election at all. He believes voting is his right.

Pakistan navy quits anti-piracy task force amid worsening US ties

Aljazeera Karachi, Pakistan – Pakistan’s navy is no longer part of the counterpiracy Combined Task Force (CTF) that operates in the western Indian Ocean, officials told Al Jazeera.   The decision to leave the task force was taken after the US-led operation refused to pay for fuel for the patrolling warships as part of a previous agreement, two highly-placed military officials… Read more »

Pakistan and India dispute over Indus Waters Treaty involving Kishanganga

In 1960 under the organization and supervision of the World Bank, Pakistan and India signed into a water-sharing agreement called the Indus Waters Treaty. This allocated the control of the western rivers to Pakistan and the eastern rivers to India. Since the treaty is so specific and defined and disputes between the countries are easily resolved legally, leaving this to… Read more »

Pak discusses India’s construction on Kishanganga, Ratle projects with World Bank chief

Times of India NEW YORK: Pakistan’s foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi raised the issue of India’s construction on the Kishanganga and Ratle projects during his meeting with World Bank Chief Jim Yong Kim on the sidelines of the 73rd United Nations General Assembly session here.

At risk of death and paid a pittance: India’s sewer cleaners

Aljazeera New Delhi, India: In a small lane in west Delhi’s Dabri village, journalists and activists ask local residents for Anil’s address. The villagers guide them to a door surrounded by people. Inside, 37-year-old Rani lies on a bed in the dimly-lit room.   An old lady consoles her, friends bring her food. On September 14, Rani’s partner Anil died while… Read more »

Rockets hit Ghazni during Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s visit

Aljazeera Multiple rockets hit the Afghan city of Ghazni during a visit by President Ashraf Ghani, according to officials and residents of the city which is still struggling to return to normal after it was overrun by Taliban fighters last month. At least two rockets landed within 300 metres of the governor’s compound where President Ghani was meeting local officials,… Read more »

India’s Supreme Court rules adultery not a crime any more

Aljazeera New Delhi, India – India‘s top court has ruled that adultery is no longer a crime, declaring the colonial-era law that punished the offence unconstitutional and discriminatory. The court ruled unanimously on Thursday that Section 497, a 158-year-old law, “perpetuates the subordinate status of women, denies dignity and sexual autonomy, and is based on gender stereotypes”.   The law criminalised… Read more »