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.

   

Jarul's magical touch in the land of mango-silk



District Correspondent, Barta24.com
Picture: Barta24

Picture: Barta24

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The sweetness of Rajshahi mangoes and the soft touch of silk blend with tradition. Jarul Phul has created a new magic there. The blue glow of Jarul has now created a charming scene in the heart of this city known as Muktadhara. Along the way, across the alleys, the colorful blue to dark blue play of Jarul flowers enveloped Rajshahi in a different kind of beauty.

This beauty is not only eye-catching but also leaves a soft touch of joy deep in the heart. Where Rajshahi, famous for its mangoes and silks, now covered in the turquoise of Jarul, has become a new center of attraction.

Jarul flowers fascinate nature lovers with their beauty and fragrance. The flower reaches its full maturity from early spring to late summer.

Jarul is now a common sight in various parks, University campuses, roadsides and house yards in Rajshahi. The people of the city say that this gentle presence of Jarul instills a sense of peace in their minds, which creates an atmosphere of liberation from the noise of the daily hustle and bustle.

Environmentalists and horticulturists believe that this wide spread of Jarul helps in controlling the city's climate and air pollution levels. Also, it contributes to increasing biodiversity.

Jharul's magnificent scenery in different parts of the city adds a new chapter to the natural beauty and cultural chapter. It is now a center of attraction for photographers and tourists. They said, this wonderful beauty of Jarul captures a different dimension in their camera lens.

This flower has added a sweet chapter in the life of the people of Rajshahi city. The charming touch of Jarul makes the beauty that grows on the way here more special, which makes the face of Rajshahi familiar in a new identity. This rich land is now wrapped in a new charm - the magical touch of Jarul flowers.

Impressed by the blue glow of Jarul, poet Ahsan Habib praised Jarul in his poem "Swades". He wrote, the light of happiness lit up in the corner of the mind, then drew a unique picture - a huge jarul tree on one side, two yellow birds on its branches.

Not only Ahsan Habib, 'poet of Rupsi Bengal' Jibanananda Das also brought alive the artistic form of Jarul in his poetry.

He wrote, 'The clouds come wet at the side of the river alone, sitting on the branch of the Jarul tree and looking at the other side.' by doing

From the railway gate of the city to the heritage square and the islands of the bypass road, the beauty of Jarul flowers is eye-catching. Travelers on this route are mesmerized by the beautiful scenery that unfolds before their eyes.

Alfaz Uddin is returning home through this route after office. He said, I feel a unique happiness by traveling this way every day. The work of the office should disappear in the magic of this path. The beauty of Jarul flowers is truly unparalleled. I think, let's take them home.

Meanwhile, an abundance of Jarul flowers can be seen everywhere in reputed Rajshahi College, which attracts the eyes of students and visitors.

Aishi Islam, a second year student of the Department of Psychology of Rajshahi College, said that the special collection of Jarul in the flower garden of Rajshahi College brings another sense of tranquility. Especially the flowers blooming on the newly planted saplings touch our hearts.

Rajshahi College former teacher of Botany department Dr. Md. Rezaul Karim said, this beauty of Jarul flower is not only eye-catching, but through it the environmental quality and diversity of Rajshahi city is increasing. Jarul flower is an eco-friendly plant and its natural beauty has a positive effect on the weather and environment of the city. In addition, jarul flowers attract different species of birds and butterflies, which helps increase ecological diversity.

He also said that the use of Jarul flowers in educational institutions, parks and roads of Rajshahi is playing a double role in the beauty and environmental protection of the city. It is helping to increase environmental awareness among the city dwellers while enjoying the natural beauty.

Dr. Md. Rezaul Karim also added that Jarul flower shows its purple bloom with the arrival of summer, its beauty prevails from summer to autumn. Students are introduced to the scientific name and identity of each of these medium height trees. Jarul seeds, bark and leaves are effective in diabetes, fever, insomnia, cough, and indigestion, making it not only a symbol of beauty, but an invaluable medicinal plant.

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Ignoring the heat wave, schools and colleges are opening



Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com
Picture: Barta24

Picture: Barta24

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All the primary schools and colleges of the country have opened amid the intense heat wave that is sweeping across the country. After the 32-day long vacation of Ramadan, Eid and heat wave, the premises of the educational institution has become full of students again.

The government has decided to open classes on weekends and Saturdays from next week to meet the shortage of learning caused by the closure. However, this decision will not be effective in the case of primary schools.

On Saturday morning (April 27), the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education informed that, due to the ongoing heat wave, government primary schools under the Directorate of Primary Education, Shishu Kalyan Primary Schools managed by the Shishu Kalyan Trust and learning centers managed by the Non-Formal Education Bureau have closed the classes of government primary schools from Sunday. Activities will continue. The schools run in one shift from 8 am to 11:30 pm daily. Schools operating in two shifts will have first shift from 8 am to 9:30 am and second shift from 9:45 am to 11:30 pm.

Students of schools and colleges across the country, including the capital, have started returning to classrooms despite the scorching heat. Parents are sending children to school. Students are also excited to return to the classroom after a long time.

However, as per the instructions of the Ministry of Education, the assembly in the educational institutions will be dropped until the heat comes to a bearable level. The upazila education officer will formulate a weekly routine for conducting upazila-wise class activities taking into account the routine sent by the Directorate of Primary Education for conducting class activities with the concerned. Pre-primary classes will remain closed until further notice.

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Today is Sheikh Jamal's 71st birthday



Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com
Picture: Collected

Picture: Collected

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Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's second son Sheikh Jamal's 71st birthday today (April 28). He was born on this day in 1954 in Tungipara village of Gopalganj district. Sheikh Jamal passed Matriculation from Dhaka Residential Model College and Intermediate from Dhaka College.

A lover of culture and sports, Sheikh Jamal joined an institute to learn the guitar and was also a good cricketer.

Sheikh Jamal was also under house arrest along with other family members during the Great War of Liberation in 1971. He escaped from there and led the frontline in the Great War of Liberation. After a very dangerous journey from Dhanmondi, Sheikh Jamal reached Agartala, India and joined Mujib Bahini (Bangladesh Liberation Forces, BLF) there after training and participated in the frontal battle in Sector 9 of the Liberation War.

Sheikh Jamal was a patriotic brilliant army officer. He was a commissioned officer in the first batch of the long-term course of the Bangladesh Army. In 1974, Sheikh Jamal attended a training camp as a cadet at the Military Academy of Yugoslavia. Then, after training from Sandhurst Academy in Britain, he returned to the country and joined as the Second Lieutenant in the Second East Bengal Regiment in Dhaka Cantonment.

During his short service in the Second East Bengal, he left an impression of extraordinary professionalism and sincerity among the officers and soldiers. Within weeks, Sheikh Jamal became one of the officers and soldiers. Impress the soldiers by participating in the training ground, in the tactical class, in the obstacle crossing. He used to train the members of the battalion boxing team. On August 14, 1975, he performed his duties in the cantonment as a battalion duty officer. That night he returned from the cantonment to Dhanmondi 32 house. On August 15, 1975, Sheikh Jamal was killed along with other family members by the merciless bullet of an assassin.

On the occasion of celebrating Shaheed Sheikh Jamal's birthday with due dignity, a special prayer will be held at Banani graveyard at 9 am on Sunday at the initiative of Awami League.

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8 buses of Itishah Paribahan detained in JU, released for Tk. 60 thousand



JU Correspondent, Barta24.com, Savar(Dhaka)
photo: collected

photo: collected

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The private car of the sister of a 47th batch student of Computer Science and Engineering Department of Jahangirnagar University (JU) was damaged when a bus of Itihasa Paribahan plying on Dhaka-Aricha highway suddenly braked. In this incident, 8 buses were seized and some students demanded compensation of Tk. 1 lakh 31 thousand. Jasim Howladar, the checker of Itishah Paribahan, confirmed that the buses were released around 7:30 pm after the compensation of Tk. 60,000 was paid.

The incident took place at Shimultala area of Savar on Dhaka-Aricha highway around 9 am on Saturday (April 27). Later, when the sister of the owner of the damaged vehicle told her friends on the campus, they intercepted the buses bound for Aricha between 10 am and 12:30 pm on the Dhaka-Aricha highway near the main gate of the University.

According to eyewitnesses, around 10 am, when a motorcycle was taking a U-turn from the middle lane of the highway in Savar's Radio Colony area, a bus of Itishah Paribahan braked and stopped on the road. Then, when a bus of Savar Paribahan behind the bus of Itishah Paribahan also braked, the private car of the elder sister of a student of the 47th batch of Jahangirnagar University hit the back of the bus. The front of the car was twisted. Later, when JUs student told the incident to her department friends, they appeared on the Dhaka-Aricha highway and intercepted 8 buses of Itishah Paribahan and took the keys.

The driver of a bus of Itihash Paribahan said about the arrest of the bus. Driver Sagar told Barta24.com that when one of our (Itihas) buses braked hard at Savar's Shimultala, a Savar transport bus behind could not handle the speed and knocked our bus behind. And when Savar Paribahan's bus braked, a private car behind hit the back of Savar Paribahan's bus. The front part of the private car was damaged. Due to this, Savar transport bus was not stopped but our buses were stopped.

In this regard, the JU student who was in the damaged private car said that after such a big incident, the bus pulled away quickly without seeing whether someone was dead or alive. Then the driver of my private car got on the Itishah Paribahan bus and asked why he braked so hard, the bus driver and his colleague abused and threatened him and got him off the bus. We want road safety.

Meanwhile, around 7:00 p.m., it can be seen on the ground that 5 buses of Itishah Paribahan are standing in a row on one side of the Dhaka-Aricha highway in front of the main gate of the University. Some of the co-drivers are chatting in the car, while others are sitting on the road. Talking to the driver and staff, it is learnt that although 8 buses were detained, the students forgot to take the keys from 3 buses. Later those three buses left.

The checker of Savar to Jirani route Jasim Howladar confirmed to Barta24.com that when the bus owner was demanded a compensation of Tk. 1 lakh 31 thousand as the private car was damaged, the bus owner authorities settled the matter for Tk. 60 thousand. Jasim Howlader.

He said that the private car was damaged after colliding with the Savar Paribahan bus. But by blocking our bus they are demanding compensation of 1 lakh 31 thousand rupees. It's no fair talk! Even then, both sides discussed and took the keys of the car with a compensation of Tk. 60,000.

To learn about this incident, the newly appointed proctor of the University made several attempts to contact Dr. Alamgir Kabir on his mobile phone but he did not respond.

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