War on drugs: 6 more months, says Duterte

MANILA • Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said yesterday that he needs six more months for his war on drugs, saying he realised how bad the country's narcotics problem is only after taking office over two months ago.

More than 3,500 people have been killed in the past 10 weeks, some 58 per cent by unknown assailants and the rest in legitimate police operations against illegal drugs, according to local police.

REUTERS

Case filed against 10 over factory fire

DHAKA • Bangladesh police have filed a case against 10 people over a fire that left 34 workers dead at a food and cigarette packaging factory on the outskirts of capital Dhaka, Xinhua news agency reported yesterday.

Police said investigators probing the fire incident on Sept 10 have found "proof of negligence" by the owner in ensuring the factory's safety.

Najib's wife to get Unesco award

KUALA LUMPUR • Unesco will confer on Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak's wife Rosmah Mansor an award at the ongoing 71st United Nations General Assembly on Thursday.

Madam Rosmah, 64, will receive Unesco's "Lead by Example" award, which recognises her efforts in developing the potential of children, Bernama reported yesterday.