Dhaka, Jan. 8 : Bangladesh President Iajuddin Ahmed on Thursday summoned the first session of the country''s ninth Parliament on January 25 following the swearing-in of Sheikh Hasina-led Government on Tuesday.

"The order of the President has been sent to the Parliament Secretariat. The first session will begin at 3 p. m. local time on January 25," a spokesman at the presidential palace said.

The Parliament Secretariat also issued a press release in this regard.

Dhaka, Jan 8 : The landslide victory of Sheik Hasina's Awami League has jolted the pro-Pakistan political forces in Bangladesh who want Islamabad to send some seasoned diplomats here to look after its interests in the wake of growing Indian influence in the country.

Dhaka (Bangladesh), Jan. 7 : Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful and wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim have both been fined after breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the third day’s play in the second Test against Sri Lanka.

Ashraful has been fined 15 per cent of his match fee while Mushfiqur has been fined 50 per cent of his match fee.

An ICC press release said the penalties were handed down by Jeff Crowe of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees on Wednesday following hearings which were held in Chittagong on Tuesday after the conclusion of the Test which Sri Lanka won by 465 runs.

Dhaka - Bangladesh's new civilian government assured Wednesday that it would work closely with neighbours to restore peace in South Asia curbing militancy and terrorism.

"We will take effective steps against militancy and terrorism in consultations with our neighbouring countries," Dr Dipu Moni, the newly appointed foreign minister of Sheikh Hasina Wazed's cabinet, told reporters on her assumption to office.

Dhaka - Bangladesh's newly appointed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed Wednesday began her second term in office, paying homage to the memory of her slain father and the country's liberation war martyrs, officials said.

She was sworn in as head of government Tuesday after an alliance led by her Awami League (AL) party won a landslide victory in the December 29 general elections which ended almost two years of rule by a military-backed administration.

Hasina served as premier between 1996 and 2001.

Dhaka, Jan 6 : Shiekh Hasina, the President of the Awami League Party (AL), will be sworn-in as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh here today.

President Iajuddin Ahmed will appoint and administer oath of office to Hasina and her colleagues in the new council of ministers. He will also appoint and administer oath of office to the other ministers, state ministers and deputy ministers.

Hasina returns to power after spending a few months in custody on charge of murder, extortion and corruption. She has since been acquitted.