Rohingya leader detained

• COX'S BAZAR: Bangladesh security forces have detained a Rohingya leader during a sweep in a refugee camp, police said on Wednesday. The Rohingya representative, Mohibullah, was held in Cox's Bazar district as local authorities broke up a protest on Tuesday against the controversial repatriation deal signed by Bangladesh and Myanmar. He was handed over to Bangladesh's elite security force and then local police who are still holding him for questioning, police chief Abul Khair said on Wednesday. Two other Rohingya men were also detained for their role in the protests, another officer added.Mohibullah, who goes by one name, has mobilised Rohingya in recent weeks to protest against returning the persecuted Muslims to Myanmar. PTI

France jail picket

• PARIS: French riot police broke up a jailhouse picket on Wednesday that threatened to disrupt the trial of a man who is suspected of housing the head of a militant hit-squad that killed 130 people in attacks in Paris in 2015. Reuters

Iran factory fire

• BEIRUT: A fire at a tar factory in the town of Bandar Abbas in southern Iran killed three persons and injured two others, the Iranian Students' News Agency reported on Wednesday. Reuters

Saudi campaign

• RIYADH: Saudi Arabian authorities are still holding 95 people in an anti-corruption campaign launched by the crown prince in November, according to the kingdom's attorney general. Reuters

Nepal polls

• KATHMANDU: The registration of nomination papers of candidates contesting the National Assembly election in Nepal took place on Wednesday. Reuters

Libya bombing toll

• BENGHAZI: The toll from a twin car bombing in Libya's eastern city of Benghazi rose to 35 on Wednesday, with about 60 people wounded, medical officials said. Reuters

Thatcher statue

• LONDON: A second attempt to erect a statue of Britain's former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher outside parliament. Reuters

Sisi second term

• CAIRO: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi officially launched his bid for a second term in office on Wednesday, a day after his main potential rival was arrested. Reuters

Vietnam flag

• HANOI: Vietnam has jailed four men for flying the flag of the US-backed Republic of Vietnam, the former state that spanned the southern half of the country until it was reunified at the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. Reuters