The High Court in Bangladesh has ordered a three-month suspension of natural gas exports.

The court also asked the government not to sign any fresh contracts for gas exploration until it rules on a petition seeking a ban on gas exports.

The court order follows pressure from a number of groups, including the main opposition party, the Awami league, who believe that Bangladesh should not export gas to other countries until it has secured supplies for its own domestic needs.

Analysts say the interim court order is a setback for the government which has been keen to export gas particularly to India to strengthen its economy.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service