1.   Abul Hasnat Abdullah, the chief government negotiator, was optimistic Tuesday as talks adjourned with the rebels from the southeast region of Bangladesh known as the hill tracts.

2.   Both leaders said they were concerned about activities of the outlawed Chakma tribespersons fighting in the hill tracts of Chittagong in southern Bangladesh.

3.   The Buddhist rebels are demanding more autonomy and the withdrawal of Muslim settlers and security personnel from the hill tracts.

4.   The groups representing various tribespersons are fighting each other and Indian security forces over greater control of the hill tracts.

5.   The Minister said the parties in power in the past reaped political dividends by keeping the hill tracts and water sharing issues alive.

6.   The rebels, mainly from the Chakma tribe, are fighting for self-rule in Chittagong hill tracts bordering India.

7.   The region, known as hill tracts, is rich in natural gas, timber and oil.

8.   Three Bangladeshi policemen were killed Saturday by suspected tribal rebels who threw grenades and used automatic weapons in the troubled southeastern hill tracts, officials here said.

9.   Three Bangladeshi policemen were killed Saturday by unidentified men who threw grenades and used automatic weapons in the troubled southeastern hill tracts, the official BSS news agency said.

10.   Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed Saturday said her government wanted to develop the hill tracts and take advantage of natural resources there.