The year 2006 was the 35th year after the independence of Bangladesh. It was the last year of the rule of BNP led by Khaleda Zia and also the first year of the regime of the fourth caretaker Government led by Fakhruddin Ahmed. Incumbents President: Iajuddin Ahmed Prime Minister: Khaleda Zia (until 29 October), Iajuddin Ahmed (starting 29 October) Chief Justice: Syed Jillur Rahim Mudasser Husain Demography Climate Economy Note: For the year 2006 average official exchange rate for BDT was 68.93 per US$. Events 3 January – Security forces captured three Arakan rebels and seized arms and ammunition, including light machine gun, AK47 and M16 automatic rifles, from a den in the remote forests of Naikkhongchhari in Bandarban District. 23 January – Seven people were killed and more than a hundred injured when police open fire to disperse a mob in Kansat Bazar in Chapainawabganj District. The firing took place when locals were demonstrating for the release of three leaders of Palli Bidyut Sangram Committee (PBSC), an organisation of local electricity subscribers, arrested in connection with 4 January violence in the area which left 2 dead. 23 February – At least 54 people die from a fire incident at a composite textile factory that also had a garment section in Chittagong. 2 March – Terrorist leader Shaykh Abdur Rahman is captured. 6 March – Terrorist leader Siddique ul-Islam is captured. 24 April – A PT-6 training aircraft of Bangladesh Air Force crashes in Jhenaidah District, killing the 20-year-old trainee pilot Taniul Islam. 24 June – The remains of Matiur Rahman, a recipient of the Bir Sreshtho, killed in action during the Liberation War of 1971, are brought back to Bangladesh. 21 August – Dawra degree of Qawmi Madrasah gets recognition as equivalent to master's degree. 27 August – At least seven people were killed and about 300 injured as police and Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) opened fire on demonstrators advancing towards the office of Asia Energy Corporation (Bangladesh) Pvt Ltd in Dinajpur District protesting adverse impact on the local community due to open pit coal extraction method of proposed Phulbari project. 19 September – At least 25 people were killed and thousands went missing when a violent storm hit the country's coastal belt. 20 September – Severe power crisis practically paralyzes the country. 28 October – Six people are killed and 100s injured as the Government prepares to hand over