DHAKA, Jan 9: The government of Bangladesh on Thursday banned the sale, distribution and retention of all kinds of publications of the Ahmadiya community.

The announcement came in the wake of pressure by a section of religious scholars, including the leaders of Islami Oikkya Jote, a component of the BNP-led four-party ruling alliance.

Reacting to the decision, a spokesman for the Ahmadiya community, Abdul Awal, said the government had "bowed down to 'religious terrorism'".