DHAKA, 17 April 2006 — Authorities in Bangladesh yesterday launched a polio vaccination drive after the disease recently re-emerged in the country following a five-year absence. The government aims to vaccinate up to 20 million children against the dreaded malady.

People with children lined up yesterday at camps around Dhaka as the government launched the first phase of a three-round campaign to vaccinate for free 18 million-20 million children against polio.

The campaign’s second and third phases will start nationwide on May 13 and June 11.

Three Pirates Shot Dead

Three pirates were killed when Bangladesh Navy personnel opened fire on a gang of pirates at Char Patharghata sub-district in the southeastern coastal district of Chittagong early yesterday. The dead were identified as Abdul Qader, 20, Munsef Ali, 28 and Yusuf Ali, 27, — all from Char Patharghata area.

A fourth suspect was badly hurt when the officers opened fire at the group as they were allegedly stealing oil from an anchored ship near the country’s main seaport of Chittagong, the United News of Bangladesh agency reported.

Qader and Munsef died on way to Chittagong Medical College Hospital while Yusuf succumbed to his injuries later. The injured suspect, Sikander Ali, was admitted to hospital in critical condition.

Indian Firing Kills Two

Indian Border Security Force shot dead two Bangladeshis and an Indian citizen on their side of the border in Shibganj sub-district yesterday.

The slain Bangladeshis were identified as Bashiruddin, 18, of Trishrashia village and Tofazzal, 25, of Daktarpara village. Identity of the Indian citizen could not be known immediately. Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) sources said the incident took place two kilometers from Wahedpur border.

The BSF men shot them dead while they were trying to smuggle cows into Bangladesh from India, the sources said.