World Refugee Day -11 lakh Rohiyngas on Bangladesh’s shoulder



Muhibullah Muhib & Nurul Haque, Barta24.com Cox’s Bazar
Refugee camp, photo: Barta24.com

Refugee camp, photo: Barta24.com

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Today the 20th June is World Refugee Day. Now about 11 lakh Rohiyngas are now residing in Bangladesh after fleeing from Myanmar for their safety. Such a huge Rohiyngas have become a burden for Bangladesh.

These Rohiyngas are now living on the hill top of Ukhia and Teknaf of Cox’s Bazar. As the camps are unguarded they have been roaming and living openly creating social hazards. Locals have demanded to shift these Rohiyngas to Bhasanchar island of Noakhali to control these Rohiyngas. They are also demanding to create pressure on Myanmar government to take back their people.

Rohiynga influx in Bangladesh:

The influx of Rohiyngas in Bangladesh is not new. First, some few lakh of Rohiyngas came to Bangladesh after fleeing from Myanmar in 1978. It was alleged that at that time there was huge human rights violation cases had been occurring. In 1978 about 3.5 lakh Rohiyngas took shelter in Cox’s Bazar, Ramu, Naikhangchari, Ukhia and Teknaf. At that time there was no International help and official shelter camps in Bangladesh for those refugees. But after successful bilateral talks between Bangladesh- Myanmar in short time two lakh Rohiyngas returned to their homeland. The rest stayed back in Bangladesh. They are now living as citizens of this country. In 1992 again facing immense torture about 2.50 lakh entered Bangladesh.

They took shelter in 14 camps in Bundarban and Cox’s Bazar. Most of the camps were set up in Forest department’s land. In 2012 when ethnic conflicts erupted in Mongdu to Akiab area torture again began on the Rohiyngas. In 2016 there were some incidents of police outposts attacks in Rakhaine sate. The Myanmar authority claimed that the Rohiyngas were responsible for the police camp attack. Next day the Myanmar army carried on attacks on the Rohiyngas . Some 87 thousand Rohiyngas fled the country to save their lives.

Lastly on August 25 of 2017 there were incidents of attack on 24 police outposts at a time. After the attacks on police the Myanmar army had started annihilation of the Rohiyngas in the name of suppressing criminals. Due to all round attack on them through killing, arson, and also forcible sexual abuse about 7.5 lakh Rohiyngas including old, young, women and children entered Bangladesh after long troublesome trekking. They took shelter on the hill top of Ukhia and Teknaf and also in the plain land. About 34 camps were built for them. About ten thousand acres of forest land were destroyed to accommodate them.

Repatriation process:

To take back the Rohiyngas the Myanmar government inked a memorandum of understanding with Bangladesh on November 23 of 2017 at the huge pressure of the International communities. But the repatriation is yet to start though several meetings were held during this time. Next in a meeting held November 15 of 2018 a date for repatriation was fixed. All preparations were taken for their return. The first batch was supposed to be sent through Ghumdhum transit point. But the Rohiyngas did not agree to go back due to torture and disparity on them still going there that stalled the repatriation process.

The number of registered Rohiyngas:

At present there are 11 lakh 28 thousand 554 Rohiyngas are now under biometric registration. However that biometric program is now stopped. This biometric registration program was carried out by Immigration and passport directorate. It is an old allegation that the Rohiyngas have been fleeing from the camps. It is the observation of some quarters that it is urgent that whether all biometrically registered Rohiyngas are still in the camps or not.

Crimes increasing:

According to police statistics about 230 crime incidents occurred in Rohiyngas camps during last two years. There were 25 murders. About 200 Rohiyngas were made accused in these murder cases. The Rohiynas are involved in arms case, drug peddling, passport forgery, women and children repression, abduction, theft, dacoity and so on. During last one and half years about 56 thousand were arrested and taken back to camps while they were fleeing to Malaysia by sea route.

Local people’s concern:

The refugee camps are spreading over Ukhia and Teknaf. The total population of these two upazilla is about 5.5 lakh while the number of Rohiyngas fleeing from Myanmar is more that 11 lakh. With the passage of time the restless situations in Rohiynga camps are increasing. Crimes are increasing. Such situation has put the locals on fire place. Every day the locals are facing pressure for the Rohiyngas. Observers are expressing concerns that all these problems may lead to a big crisis.

An official of Arakan Rohiynga Society for Peace and Human Rights(ARASPH) told Barta24.com we don’t want that the Rohiyngas stay here for a long time. Bangladesh is not our home land. We don’t want to stay in the camps. We want to go back to our own country. During last two years many international dignitaries of EEU, OIC and many representatives visited our camps and observed our painful life but no result came.

Teknaf Upazilla parishad chairman Nurul Alam told Barta24.com due to falsehood of Myanmar, the repatriation process is stalled. The Rohiyngas are now spreading around the country bringing some unmanageable situation. However the government is working to contain these problems.

Mohammad Abul Kalam, Commissioner of Cox’s Bazar Refugee, Relief and Repatriation(CRRR) told Barta24.com the number of old and new Rohiyngas now living in Teknaf and Ukhia upazilla is about 10 lakh. Arrangements have been taken to observe the ‘World Refugee Day’ in some camps. There will be rally, discussion meetings, sports and games and projections of documentary films on the Rohiyngas.

   

The King of Bhutan satisfied with the site, wants to come again to Kurigram



Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com, Kurigram
Photo: Barta24

Photo: Barta24

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King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan visited the 'Bhutan Special Economic Zone' in the northern district of Kurigram. This was the first visit of a foreign head of state to Kurigram.

On Thursday (March 28) from 1:20 PM to 1:35 PM, the King of Bhutan stayed at the 'Bhutan Special Economic Zone' in Madhavaram village of Dharla bank near Kurigram town.

Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) Executive Chairman Sheikh Yusuf Haroon spoke to reporters after leaving the venue after visiting the King of Bhutan Economic Zone. He said the king of Bhutan has agreed to develop this place as an economic zone. He visited the place and liked it. He (King of Bhutan) also said that I myself will come here once more when the work starts. He is satisfied with the space and communication system here.

Quoting the King of Bhutan, Yusuf Harun also said, the King said, the factory will be built here in accordance with the needs of the local people and the needs of the investors. Special emphasis will be given to agriculture and productivity.

During the King's visit to Kurigram, he was accompanied by State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority (BEZA) Sheikh Yusuf Haroon, Member of Parliament for Kurigram 2 Constituency Dr. Hamidul Haque Khandkar, Mayor of Kurigram Municipality Kajiul Islam, Superintendent of Police, Deputy Commissioner and other political leaders and administration officials.

After visiting the proposed Economic Zone site of Kurigram, the King of Bhutan entered Golakganj in the Indian state of Assam through Sonahat land port of Bhurungamari upazila around 3 pm. Bangladesh State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury bid him farewell there. This ended the four-day state visit of the King of Bhutan to Bangladesh.

It is to be noted that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had announced the establishment of Special Economic Zone in Kurigram in 2015 in a public meeting at Kurigram Government College grounds. In view of this, an economic zone has been designated on the eastern side of the Kurigram-Bhurungamari road, east of the Dharla Bridge at the eastern end of the district town.

Then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina proposed the establishment of Special Economic Zone in Kurigram in a bilateral meeting with the King and Queen of Bhutan in London in May 2023. In response to that call, the government of Bhutan came forward. In view of this, Bangladesh government is giving 190 acres of land to Bhutan to establish a special economic zone in Kurigram. An agreement was also signed with the Government of Bangladesh on the establishment of a Special Economic Zone for Bhutan at Kurigram during the ongoing visit of the King of Bhutan to Bangladesh.

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Government has come a long way in rescuing hostages including ships: Foreign Minister



Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com, Dhaka
Photo: Collected

Photo: Collected

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Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud said that the government has come a long way to free the Bangladeshi ship MV Abdullah and 23 sailors.

He said, we are in communication to rescue the sailors. Various activities are being carried out to free them. We continue to work keeping in mind that no harm should come to them. I just want to say that we have come a long way.

The Foreign Minister gave this information in response to questions from journalists at a briefing on contemporary affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday (March 28).

Hasan Mahmud said about the food shortage in the ship, food shortage did not happen in the past when the ship was hijacked. After three years of detention, it did not happen. 100 days have not yet passed. Hopefully, it won't happen in this case either.

Note that on March 12, Somali pirates hijacked the Bangladeshi ship MV Abdullah in the Indian Ocean, 600 nautical miles from the coast of Somalia. After three days, the hostage ship with the sailors was taken to the coast of Somalia. The pirates anchored the ship off the coast of Gadvajiran, Somalia after making two changes of location.

After 9 days of taking the Bangladeshi ship hostage with 23 sailors, Somali pirates contacted the owners.

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Prime Minister’s directives to be proactive in dealing with LDC transition and challenges



Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com, Dhaka
Photo: Collected

Photo: Collected

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In 2026, Bangladesh will get to be promoted from the Least Developed Country (LDC) list to a developing country. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has given instructions on what benefits will be available from abroad and what challenges will be faced. Also, the head of government ordered to be proactive in dealing with the problem from now on.

She gave this instruction at the meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) at the NEC conference room in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar on Thursday (March 28).

The meeting was presided over by Prime Minister and ECNEC Chairperson Sheikh Hasina. At the end of the meeting Minister of Planning Major General (retd.) Abdus Salam and Minister of State for Planning Md. Shahiduzzaman Sarkar gave details in the press conference. At that time, Secretary of Planning Division Satyajit Karmakar and members of Planning Commission were present.

In the meeting, the Prime Minister said that the projects which are in the last stage should be completed by releasing money quickly.

ECNEC meeting approved Chancery House construction project in Egypt. The Prime Minister has asked to keep booths and waiting areas for serving expatriates there. Apart from this, Union Parishad Complex construction projects have also been approved in all districts of Bangladesh. She ordered to complete the work of this project as soon as possible and to preserve the rain water there.

Sheikh Hasina has said that a special system for training women will be kept in the new complex of the Weaving Board. Along with that, she instructed all the upazilas of Kurigram to prevent river erosion and work keeping in mind the risk of erosion in the construction of roads.

It is to be noted that 11 projects at a cost of Tk. 8 thousand 425 crore 51 lakh have been approved in the meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC). Out of this, Tk. 7 thousand 939 crore 87 lakh will be available from government funds and 485 crore 64 lakh rupees from project loans.

Approved projects include - Construction of Bangladesh Chancery Complex and Residential Building in Cairo, Egypt, Procurement of 20 Meter Gauge Diesel Electric Locomotive and 150 Meter Gauge Passenger Carriage (1st Revised) for Bangladesh Railways, Kashinathpur-Dashuria-Nator-Rajshahi-Nawabganj-Kansat-Sonamsjid-Baliadighi Border (N-06) Improvement of National Highway to appropriate standard and width (Nawabganj section), Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock infrastructure development (1st phase) to increase the capacity of existing government fish farms and fish production, Improvement of Fish Landing Center of Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation in Cox's Bazar District Scheme, Rural Infrastructure Development Scheme of Districts of Greater Rangpur Region, Construction of Union Parishad Complex Building (3rd Phase), Establishment of Comprehensive Cancer, Heart Disease and Kidney Treatment Centers in 8 Divisional Towns Health Services Department (1st Revised) etc.

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‘Bangladeshi Americans are working to strengthen the relationship between the two countries’



News Desk, Barta24.com
Photo: Barta24.com

Photo: Barta24.com

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The US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Ambassador Donald Lu, has highly appreciated the contributions of the Bangladeshi Americans to building the foundations of bilateral relations between the two nations.

Ambassador Lu was addressing as the Guest of Honour a reception hosted by Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC on Tuesday evening on the occasion of the celebration of the Independence and National Day of Bangladesh.


Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Mr. Muhammad Imran delivered the welcome address at the function held at Bangabandhu Auditorium of the Mission.

US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu said there are huge number of Bangladeshi Americans in the United States and it’s their strength and tremendous hard work that builds the foundation of the excellent relations between the two countries.


“We are so proud of the work of the Bangladeshi Americans what they do to support the relations between our two great nations,” he said.

In this connection, Mr. Donald Lu referred to Bangladeshi-American entrepreneurs who have excelled in different fields with their unique and innovative ideas.

The US Assistant Secretary of State concluded his remarks by saying, “Happy Birthday Bangladesh and Joy Bangla”.


In his welcome remarks, Bangladesh Ambassador Muhammad Imran extended heartfelt greetings to all Bangladeshi people living at home at abroad on the occasion of the great Independence and National Day.

He also paid deep homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and three million martyrs who sacrificed their life for the cause of independence.

Ambassador Imran said Bangladesh attaches high importance to its long-standing partnership with the United States. Ever since the establishment our two countries’ relations, there prevailed excellent understanding and collaboration with the United States playing a positive role in Bangladesh’s development journey.

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He mentioned that Bangladesh also shares with the United States a common vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region with shared prosperity for all. We sincerely believe that two countries will be able to strengthen and advance the relationship further and explore new areas of cooperation, Ambassador Imran said.

He said Bangladesh looks forward to the support and cooperation from all its friends to realize the dream of our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to transform Bangladesh into “Sonar Bangla” (Golden Bengal), a hunger-and poverty-free prosperous Bangladesh.

Later, the US Assistant Secretary of State and the Bangladesh Ambassador jointly cut a cake in the presence of the guests. Earlier, the reception began with the playing of the national anthems of Bangladesh and the United States. It was followed by a screening of a documentary on the Liberation War and development of Bangladesh.

Ambassador Rebecca Gonzales, Director, Office of Foreign Missions, US State Department, Ambassadors and diplomats of different countries, senior officials of the State Department, and representatives from the US Government, USAID, USTR, NDI, IRI and other organizations were present at the function.

The event was also attended by Ambassador Mr. Muhammad Ziauddin, Ambassador at Large of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and former Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA, Dr. Ahmed Kaikaus, ex-Alternate Executive Director of World Bank Group and Principal Secretary to Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Mr. Saddam Selim, a Bangladeshi American elected a State Senator from Virginia and Dr. Siddiqur Rahman, the President of the US chapter of Bangladesh Awami League and the members of the Bangladeshi diaspora.

To celebrate the great Independence and National Day, the Bangladesh Embassy arranged daylong programs that included hoisting of the National Flag, placing a floral wreath at the bust of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, screening of a documentary and holding a discussion session and a special prayer.

The day’s programs began in the morning with ceremonially hoisting of the National Flag by Ambassador Muhammad Imran on the Chancery premises. Officials and employees of the Mission were present on the occasion.

Later, the Ambassador placed a floral wreath at the bust of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the presence of the officials of the Embassy.

The messages issued on the occasion by the Hon'ble President, Hon'ble Prime Minister, and the Foreign Minister were read out by Minister (Consular) Mohammad Habibur Rahman, Minister (Press) AZM Sajjad Hossain and Counsellor and Head of Chancery Ms Shamima Yeasmin Smrite.

Later, a discussion session highlighting the significance of the Independence and National Day was held at the Bangabandhu Auditorium. Counsellor and Head of Chancery of Bangladesh Embassy Shamima Yeasmin Smrite and First Secretary (Passport and Visa Wing) Muhammad Abdul Hye Milton conducted the two parts of the programs.

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