AFP, GENEVA - Malaria killed nearly one million people worldwide in 2006 with children under five and African countries bearing the brunt, the World Health Organisation said Thursday.

Party leaders believe president's position is untenable after court rules he influenced prosecutors against rival

The Guardian Online

Thabo Mbeki, the South African president, could be removed from office within days and replaced by an interim leader, it was reported today.

AFP, MOGADISHU - Somali pirates on Thursday seized a Greek ship and a Hong Kong-flagged vessel in the latest in a string of attacks that have prompted calls for international action, officials said.

AFP, HANOI - Researchers said Thursday they have found two hairy-nosed otters, which have been listed as the world's rarest species, in a national park in southern Vietnam.

Alaska governor criticised for avoiding transparency by using private account for official government business

The Guardian Online

FBI investigators are examining an email account belonging to the vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin, after hackers broke into it and posted contents on the internet.

REUTERS

Thousands of Japanese bureaucrats are under investigation for possible involvement in a toxic rice scandal that has prompted a mass recall of alcoholic drinks and shaken the country's reputation for food safety.

Staff Correspondent

Khaleda Zia has urged BNP leaders and workers to bury all hatchets and remain united, an aide said.

The High Court has halted trial of MiG-29s purchase graft case against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and others for three months, a lawyer said, reports bdnews24.com.

Home Adviser says

Staff Correspondent

The caretaker government's antigraft drive has lost steam lately as 158 people detained in 85 cases have been bailed out by the higher court, home adviser said on Thursday.

Move to woo investment

Staff Correspondent

Bangladesh will set up an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) for the Chinese businessmen to woo investment in the country, an adviser said on Thursday.

Staff Correspondent

The Anticorruption Commission has detected embezzlement of about Tk 42 crore in the Chittagong zone of state-run telecoms operator Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL).

Bail petition in Bijoy TV graft case

Staff Correspondent

The High Court has ordered submission of a medical report on Chittagong mayor ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury.

Bdnews24.com

Speakers at a discussion on Thursday suggested that all industries, including garment factories, be moved outside Dhaka to protect the capital city.

Graft Cases

Staff Correspondent

Anticorruption Commission Thursday approved charge sheets against former BNP state minister Ziaul Haq Zia, former lawmaker Abul Khair Bhuiyan and Comilla municipality mayor Md Monirul Haque Sakku in three corruption cases.

Desk Report

Rajshahi police have arrested 11 Hijbut Tahrir Bangladesh activists including a Dhaka University teacher for suspected ties to militant activities.

After spending only three days under $100 a barrel, oil prices shot back up on Thursday morning, erasing most of a $10-a-barrel decline in just two days, reports AP.

Desk Report

The government has asked pilgrims wishing to perform hajj this year to have medical and vaccination done by Oct 30, the government's press wing said on Thursday.

Tornado

Our Correspondent

Over 100 homes of two villages were affected on early Thursday after a tornado lashed through Vowal and Sonapur unions under Nagarkanda Upazila of Faridpur.

Desk Report

Zila Parishad bodies have been asked to complete development projects taken up by the interim government before it relinquishes power, an adviser said on Thursday.

Staff Correspondent

The Election Commission would sit in a dialogue with BNP at 11.30am on Saturday, a top polls official said.