In what is being hailed as a step towards gender equality, brides in Bangladesh will no longer have to declare if they are `virgins` on marriage certificates, as per a High Court ruling.

According to Bangladesh`s Muslim marriage and divorce laws, a bride currently needs to select from amongst three options on a marriage certificate which are `kumari` (means virgin), widow or divorced, according to CNN. However, the same is not required of men.

Three rights groups had filed a petition against the term in 2014. They had described the practice to be discriminatory.

As per the ruling, the word `kumari` will be replaced with `unmarried`. The other two options will remain the same.

As for grooms, they will now be required to disclose their marital status as well.

However, the full version of the ruling will be released in October. The Bangladeshi government`s compliance with the court order also remains unclear.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In what is being hailed as a step towards gender equality, brides in Bangladesh will no longer have to declare if they are `virgins` on marriage certificates, as per a High Court ruling.

In what is being hailed as a step towards gender equality, brides in Bangladesh will no longer have to declare if they are `virgins` on marriage certificates, as per a High Court ruling. According to Bangladesh`s Muslim marriage and divorce laws, a bride currently needs to select from amongst three options on a marriage certificate which are `kumari` (means virgin), widow or divorced, according to CNN. However, the same is not required of men. Three rights groups had filed a petition against the term in 2014. They had described the practice to be discriminatory. As per the ruling, the word `kumari` will be replaced with `unmarried`. The other two options will remain the same. As for grooms, they will now be required to disclose their marital status as well. However, the full version of the ruling will be released in October. The Bangladeshi government`s compliance with the court order also remains unclear.

'Virgin' to be removed from marriage certificates in Bangladesh

Myanmar's navy will join maritime drills with the US in Southeast Asia next week, a spokesman said Wednesday, in a rare show of military cooperation despite Washington slapping sanctions on top army brass over the Rohingya crisis.

The inclusion in the drills does not violate US travel bans against Myanmar's commander-in-chief and three senior figures for overseeing a bloody campaign that drove 740,000 Rohingya Muslims into Bangladesh two years ago.

But there are growing calls to further isolate the military, expand sanctions and prosecute senior leadership for genocide against the stateless minority.

The drills come at a time of stepped-up US engagement in the region and tensions between China and several Southeast Asian nations over rival claims in the South China Sea.

"We were invited as part of ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) for the exercise," said Zaw Min Tun, a spokesman for the commander-in-chief's office in Myanmar.

He said the exercise, starting in the Gulf of Thailand on September 2, focus on crime, piracy and security, and the travel bans were separate issues.

"The sanctions imposed were personal and this exercise is coordination between ASEAN and the US," he said.

The US State Department said in a media advisory that the drills with the 10 nations of the regional bloc provide an opportunity "to work with all members of ASEAN on shared maritime security priorities in the region."

A UN fact-finding mission wants Myanmar's commander-in-chief Min Aung Hlaing to face charges of genocide after documenting arson, extra-judicial killings and rape during the military's August 2107 campaign against the Rohingya.

Myanmar has rebuffed the allegations, saying it was defending itself from Rohingya insurgent attacks.

The crisis has also shattered the reputation of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Allegations of abuses on the ground in Rakhine state have been largely directed against army units, but rights groups say naval vessels were also implicated.

"The US should be working with members of the international community to push for accountability in Myanmar, not joining its military in exercises,” said John Quinley with the NGO Fortify Rights.

Prominent Rohingya activist Tun Khin called the joint exercises "shocking".

"Just weeks after the USA designates the head of the military as responsible for gross human rights violations, they are working together with that same military."

Myanmar's navy will join maritime drills with the US in Southeast Asia next week, a spokesman said Wednesday, in a rare show of military cooperation despite Washington slapping sanctions on top army brass over the Rohingya crisis.

Myanmar's navy will join maritime drills with the US in Southeast Asia next week, a spokesman said Wednesday, in a rare show of military cooperation despite Washington slapping sanctions on top army brass over the Rohingya crisis. The inclusion in the drills does not violate US travel bans against Myanmar's commander-in-chief and three senior figures for overseeing a bloody campaign that drove 740,000 Rohingya Muslims into Bangladesh two years ago. But there are growing calls to further isolate the military, expand sanctions and prosecute senior leadership for genocide against the stateless minority. The drills come at a time of stepped-up US engagement in the region and tensions between China and several Southeast Asian nations over rival claims in the South China Sea. "We were invited as part of ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) for the exercise," said Zaw Min Tun, a spokesman for the commander-in-chief's office in Myanmar. He said the exercise, starting in the Gulf of Thailand on September 2, focus on crime, piracy and security, and the travel bans were separate issues. "The sanctions imposed were personal and this exercise is coordination between ASEAN and the US," he said. The US State Department said in a media advisory that the drills with the 10 nations of the regional bloc provide an opportunity "to work with all members of ASEAN on shared maritime security priorities in the region." A UN fact-finding mission wants Myanmar's commander-in-chief Min Aung Hlaing to face charges of genocide after documenting arson, extra-judicial killings and rape during the military's August 2107 campaign against the Rohingya. Myanmar has rebuffed the allegations, saying it was defending itself from Rohingya insurgent attacks. The crisis has also shattered the reputation of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Allegations of abuses on the ground in Rakhine state have been largely directed against army units, but rights groups say naval vessels were also implicated. "The US should be working with members of the international community to push for accountability in Myanmar, not joining its military in exercises,” said John Quinley with the NGO Fortify Rights. Prominent Rohingya activist Tun Khin called the joint exercises "shocking". "Just weeks after the USA designates the head of the military as responsible for gross human rights violations, they are working together with that same military."

Myanmar to join US-ASEAN maritime drills despite sanctions

Heavily pregnant Rohingya mother Rashida Khatun fled her home in a remote village in Myanmar's Rakhine state two years ago, bone-tired but desperate to find a safe place to give birth.

After walking for hours with her husband and three children, Khatun took a treacherous sea journey in bad weather to reach the southeastern tip of Bangladesh.

The family took shelter beside a road and erected a makeshift roof with twigs and a polythene sheet.

Several hours later, Khatun gave birth to Ahmad Shah in the pouring rain, helped by other Rohingya women also sheltering nearby.

"I was so tired. Yet I wanted to give a safe birth to my unborn baby," the 29-year-old mother told AFP.

"I thought he wouldn't survive because we were getting drenched by the rain."

Shah turned two on Sunday -- the second anniversary of the mass exodus of some 740,000 Rohingya who fled a brutal military crackdown in western Myanmar and took refuge in vast, squalid camps in Bangladesh.

His birth, and his family's ordeal, are a reminder of the struggles the stateless Muslim minority went through to flee their homeland.

Some 200,000 Rohingya took part in a rally at the world's largest refugee settlement on Sunday to mark what the refugees describe as "Genocide Day".

Shah's father Mohammad Selim said his son was a miracle child.

"Allah saved my kid that night. All praise to Him," said Selim, an imam at a mosque at Balukhali refugee camp.

He said his other children still remembered the trauma of the perilous journey.

"I am so happy for Shah that he didn't have to go through those woes. I will make him an Islamic scholar someday," he added.

Heavily pregnant Rohingya mother Rashida Khatun fled her home in a remote village in Myanmar's Rakhine state two years ago, bone-tired but desperate to find a safe place to give birth.

Heavily pregnant Rohingya mother Rashida Khatun fled her home in a remote village in Myanmar's Rakhine state two years ago, bone-tired but desperate to find a safe place to give birth. After walking for hours with her husband and three children, Khatun took a treacherous sea journey in bad weather to reach the southeastern tip of Bangladesh. The family took shelter beside a road and erected a makeshift roof with twigs and a polythene sheet. Several hours later, Khatun gave birth to Ahmad Shah in the pouring rain, helped by other Rohingya women also sheltering nearby. "I was so tired. Yet I wanted to give a safe birth to my unborn baby," the 29-year-old mother told AFP. "I thought he wouldn't survive because we were getting drenched by the rain." Shah turned two on Sunday -- the second anniversary of the mass exodus of some 740,000 Rohingya who fled a brutal military crackdown in western Myanmar and took refuge in vast, squalid camps in Bangladesh. His birth, and his family's ordeal, are a reminder of the struggles the stateless Muslim minority went through to flee their homeland. Some 200,000 Rohingya took part in a rally at the world's largest refugee settlement on Sunday to mark what the refugees describe as "Genocide Day". Shah's father Mohammad Selim said his son was a miracle child. "Allah saved my kid that night. All praise to Him," said Selim, an imam at a mosque at Balukhali refugee camp. He said his other children still remembered the trauma of the perilous journey. "I am so happy for Shah that he didn't have to go through those woes. I will make him an Islamic scholar someday," he added.

'Miracle' Rohingya baby turns two on crackdown anniversary

Some 200,000 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/two-years-on-rohingyas-still-without-rights-status-or-justice-244567">Rohingya </a>rallied in a Bangladesh refugee camp to mark two years since they fled a violent crackdown by Myanmar forces, just days after a second failed attempt to repatriate the refugees.

Around 740,000<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-blames-rohingya-repatriation-failure-on-bangladesh-245158"> Rohingya</a> from Myanmar's Rakhine state escaped in August 2017 during the brutal offensive, joining another 200,000 who fled earlier persecution in vast camps in southeast Bangladesh.

Children, hijab-wearing women, and men in long-skirt lungis shouted "God is Great, Long Live Rohingya" as they marched at the heart of the world's largest refugee camp to commemorate what they described as "Genocide Day".

Under the scorching sun, thousands joined in a popular song with the lyrics "the world does not listen to the woes of Rohingya".

"I have come here to seek justice for the murder of my two sons. I will continue to seek justice till my last breath," 50-year-old Tayaba Khatun said as tears rolled down her cheeks.

Myanmar had said they were conducting counter-insurgency operations against Rohingya extremists after they attacked police posts, but the UN last year called for Myanmar's top generals to be prosecuted for genocide over the crisis.

Rohingya leader Mohib Ullah said the stateless minority wanted to return home, but only after they were granted citizenship, their security was ensured and they were allowed to settle back in their villages.

"We have asked the Burmese government for dialogue. But we haven't got any response from them yet," Ullah told the rally.

"We were beaten, killed and raped in Rakhine. But still, that is our home. And we want to go back."

Police officer Zakir Hassan told AFP some 200,000 Rohingya took part in the peaceful gathering.

Security has been tight across Kutupalang camp, the world's largest refugee settlement and home to more than 600,000 Rohingya.

"Hundreds of police, army and border guards have been deployed to prevent any violence," local police chief Abul Monsur told AFP.

The rally came three days after the failed attempt to repatriate the refugees, which saw not a single Rohingya turn up to return across the border.

On Saturday, Bangladesh police said they shot dead two refugees during a gunfight in a camp after the pair were accused of killing a ruling party official.

The Rohingya are not recognised as an official minority by the Myanmar government, which considers them Bengali interlopers despite many families having lived in the country for generations.

Some 200,000 Rohingya rallied in a Bangladesh refugee camp to mark two years since they fled a violent crackdown by Myanmar forces, just days after a second failed attempt to repatriate the refugees.

Some 200,000 Rohingya rallied in a Bangladesh refugee camp to mark two years since they fled a violent crackdown by Myanmar forces, just days after a second failed attempt to repatriate the refugees. Around 740,000 Rohingya from Myanmar's Rakhine state escaped in August 2017 during the brutal offensive, joining another 200,000 who fled earlier persecution in vast camps in southeast Bangladesh. Children, hijab-wearing women, and men in long-skirt lungis shouted "God is Great, Long Live Rohingya" as they marched at the heart of the world's largest refugee camp to commemorate what they described as "Genocide Day". Under the scorching sun, thousands joined in a popular song with the lyrics "the world does not listen to the woes of Rohingya". "I have come here to seek justice for the murder of my two sons. I will continue to seek justice till my last breath," 50-year-old Tayaba Khatun said as tears rolled down her cheeks. Myanmar had said they were conducting counter-insurgency operations against Rohingya extremists after they attacked police posts, but the UN last year called for Myanmar's top generals to be prosecuted for genocide over the crisis. Rohingya leader Mohib Ullah said the stateless minority wanted to return home, but only after they were granted citizenship, their security was ensured and they were allowed to settle back in their villages. "We have asked the Burmese government for dialogue. But we haven't got any response from them yet," Ullah told the rally. "We were beaten, killed and raped in Rakhine. But still, that is our home. And we want to go back." Police officer Zakir Hassan told AFP some 200,000 Rohingya took part in the peaceful gathering. Security has been tight across Kutupalang camp, the world's largest refugee settlement and home to more than 600,000 Rohingya. "Hundreds of police, army and border guards have been deployed to prevent any violence," local police chief Abul Monsur told AFP. The rally came three days after the failed attempt to repatriate the refugees, which saw not a single Rohingya turn up to return across the border. On Saturday, Bangladesh police said they shot dead two refugees during a gunfight in a camp after the pair were accused of killing a ruling party official. The Rohingya are not recognised as an official minority by the Myanmar government, which considers them Bengali interlopers despite many families having lived in the country for generations.

200,000 Rohingya rally to mark 'Genocide Day' in Bangladesh camps

The Rohingya refugee crisis in key dates

Myanmar on Friday pushed the blame for its second failed attempt to repatriate the Rohingya in Bangladesh, a day after not a single refugee turned up to return to conflict-scarred Rakhine state.&nbsp;

The Myanmar military waged a brutal crackdown on the stateless Muslim minority in western Rakhine state, leading to an exodus of more than 740,000 Rohingya to neighbouring Bangladesh.&nbsp;

The region remains riven by religious and ethnic conflict.&nbsp;

The Rohingya who stayed remain confined in squalid camps or villages with no freedom of movement.

Despite a 2017 pact signed by the two countries, the first repatriation efforts have failed, with virtually no Rohingya agreeing to return without guarantees of safety and citizenship.

A fresh push was to begin Thursday, with both governments vowing to repatriate nearly 3,500 Rohingya, but this again fell flat when no one turned up for buses intended to ferry them across the border.&nbsp;

Myanmar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs continued the blame game on Friday.&nbsp;

"Smooth repatriation for the displaced persons would require the adherence to the bilateral agreement," the state-run New Light of Myanmar said.

The ministry put the onus on Bangladesh for failing to distribute the correct paperwork, so-called "verification forms" to potential returnees a controversial form of ID that falls short of granting Rohingya citizenship.

"This procedure was not adhered to," it said, adding Bangladesh had also "ignored" a request to expedite the return of more than 400 Hindu refugees.

The ministry confirmed China and Japan had facilitated the repatriation, and it had been the Chinese government that informed them earlier this month of Bangladesh's intent to re-start the process.

Dhaka is eager for the Rohingya's return, with its resources severely strained by nearly a million refugees living in camps.

Thursday's no-show by the refugees was "very disappointing" for Bangladesh, said foreign minister AK Abdul Momen.

He added the Rohingya were taking the country "hostage" by insisting on their demands for citizenship.

But rights groups warn that conditions are not right for repatriation, and UN investigators say the 2017 violence warrants the prosecution of top generals for "genocide".&nbsp;

Any Rohingya returning to Myanmar "will be going back into a situation of persecution", Christopher Sidoti, a UN fact-finding team member, told this week.

The Myanmar military is also currently locked in fierce fighting with the Arakan Army, a group claiming to fight for autonomy for the ethnic Rakhine people.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Myanmar on Friday pushed the blame for its second failed attempt to repatriate the Rohingya in Bangladesh, a day after not a single refugee turned up to return to conflict-scarred Rakhine state.

Myanmar on Friday pushed the blame for its second failed attempt to repatriate the Rohingya in Bangladesh, a day after not a single refugee turned up to return to conflict-scarred Rakhine state. The Myanmar military waged a brutal crackdown on the stateless Muslim minority in western Rakhine state, leading to an exodus of more than 740,000 Rohingya to neighbouring Bangladesh. The region remains riven by religious and ethnic conflict. The Rohingya who stayed remain confined in squalid camps or villages with no freedom of movement. Despite a 2017 pact signed by the two countries, the first repatriation efforts have failed, with virtually no Rohingya agreeing to return without guarantees of safety and citizenship. A fresh push was to begin Thursday, with both governments vowing to repatriate nearly 3,500 Rohingya, but this again fell flat when no one turned up for buses intended to ferry them across the border. Myanmar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs continued the blame game on Friday. "Smooth repatriation for the displaced persons would require the adherence to the bilateral agreement," the state-run New Light of Myanmar said. The ministry put the onus on Bangladesh for failing to distribute the correct paperwork, so-called "verification forms" to potential returnees a controversial form of ID that falls short of granting Rohingya citizenship. "This procedure was not adhered to," it said, adding Bangladesh had also "ignored" a request to expedite the return of more than 400 Hindu refugees. The ministry confirmed China and Japan had facilitated the repatriation, and it had been the Chinese government that informed them earlier this month of Bangladesh's intent to re-start the process. Dhaka is eager for the Rohingya's return, with its resources severely strained by nearly a million refugees living in camps. Thursday's no-show by the refugees was "very disappointing" for Bangladesh, said foreign minister AK Abdul Momen. He added the Rohingya were taking the country "hostage" by insisting on their demands for citizenship. But rights groups warn that conditions are not right for repatriation, and UN investigators say the 2017 violence warrants the prosecution of top generals for "genocide". Any Rohingya returning to Myanmar "will be going back into a situation of persecution", Christopher Sidoti, a UN fact-finding team member, told this week. The Myanmar military is also currently locked in fierce fighting with the Arakan Army, a group claiming to fight for autonomy for the ethnic Rakhine people.

Myanmar blames Rohingya repatriation failure on Bangladesh

Bangladesh on Wednesday called the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir as&nbsp;an internal matter of India.

The country's Minister for Foreign Affairs said, "Bangladesh maintains that Article 370's abrogation by Indian Government is an internal issue of India. Bangladesh has always advocated, as matter of principle, that maintaining regional peace and stability, and development should be a priority for all countries."

So far, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russia-backs-india-on-abrogation-of-article-370-in-jammu-and-kashmir-241948">Russia</a>, Maldives, United Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, US, UN have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-after-uae-and-srilanka-now-maldives-back-indian-governments-move-241339">reacted to India's decision on Kashmir</a>.

The Maldives which is the member of the organisation of Islamic Cooperation was the first neighbouring country to back New Delhi.

While Maldives, UAE, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Thailand have called it an internal matter of India, Saudi and Malaysia have said that India and Pakistan should settle the issues peacefully.

Backing India's decision to revoke the special status for Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcating into two Union Territories, Russia had said earlier, "Change in the status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and its division into two union territories are carried out within the framework of the Constitution of the Republic of India".

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe also welcomed the creation of "Ladakh state" which he said will be the first Indian state with a Buddhist majority.&nbsp;

The UAE Ambassador Ahmad Al Banna said his country has taken note of the Indian government`s decision to abrogate Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and added that it was India`s internal matter aimed at improving efficiency.

"We also took note of the introduction of Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill in the Indian Parliament aimed at replacing Article 370 with the creation of Ladakh region and the state of Jammu and Kashmir as India`s two new Union Territories," he said.

India abrogated Article 370 which accorded a special status to Jammu and Kashmir after a resolution regarding the same was passed in both houses of the Parliament.

The Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Bill 2019 was also passed. It strips Jammu and Kashmir's status of a state, converting it into two Union Territories — namely Jammu and Kashmir (with a legislature) and Ladakh (without legislature).

Bangladesh on Wednesday called the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir as an internal matter of India. The country's Minister for Foreign Affairs said, "Bangladesh maintains that Article 370's abrogation by Indian Government is an internal issue of India.

Bangladesh on Wednesday called the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir as an internal matter of India. The country's Minister for Foreign Affairs said, "Bangladesh maintains that Article 370's abrogation by Indian Government is an internal issue of India. Bangladesh has always advocated, as matter of principle, that maintaining regional peace and stability, and development should be a priority for all countries." So far, Russia, Maldives, United Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, US, UN have reacted to India's decision on Kashmir. The Maldives which is the member of the organisation of Islamic Cooperation was the first neighbouring country to back New Delhi. While Maldives, UAE, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Thailand have called it an internal matter of India, Saudi and Malaysia have said that India and Pakistan should settle the issues peacefully. Backing India's decision to revoke the special status for Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcating into two Union Territories, Russia had said earlier, "Change in the status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and its division into two union territories are carried out within the framework of the Constitution of the Republic of India". Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe also welcomed the creation of "Ladakh state" which he said will be the first Indian state with a Buddhist majority. The UAE Ambassador Ahmad Al Banna said his country has taken note of the Indian government`s decision to abrogate Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and added that it was India`s internal matter aimed at improving efficiency. "We also took note of the introduction of Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill in the Indian Parliament aimed at replacing Article 370 with the creation of Ladakh region and the state of Jammu and Kashmir as India`s two new Union Territories," he said. India abrogated Article 370 which accorded a special status to Jammu and Kashmir after a resolution regarding the same was passed in both houses of the Parliament. The Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Bill 2019 was also passed. It strips Jammu and Kashmir's status of a state, converting it into two Union Territories — namely Jammu and Kashmir (with a legislature) and Ladakh (without legislature).

Abrogation of Article 370 is internal matter of India: Bangladesh

By Abdullah Yusuf

This month marks the second anniversary of Rohingya refugees fleeing into Bangladesh following a brutal crackdown by Myanmar’s security forces. A predominantly Muslim ethnic minority from the Rakhine state of Buddhist Myanmar, the Rohingya have been called the “most persecuted minority in the world”.

Promised their own autonomous state in return for helping Britain during World War II (which never happened), the Rohingya have a history of being resented by the Burmese/Myanmarese people. More recently, stripped of citizenship under a 1982 law which deemed the Rohingya as Bengali, they now find themselves stateless, as Myanmar and Bangladesh refuse to acknowledge them as citizens.

In a recent visit to Cox’s Bazar, the coastal district in Bangladesh which houses Rohingya refugee camps, senior Myanmar officials tried to persuade them to return home. A repatriation deal was signed between Bangladesh and Myanmar in 2017 and 2018, but as I wrote last year, without a concrete commitment regarding their safety and the granting of citizenship, the Rohingya will continue to refuse the repatriation plea. To date, almost none have volunteered to return.

Now hosting more than 1.1m Rohingyas, Bangladesh has pledged not to force anyone to leave the country. The refugees are officially registered as “forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals”, a designation that denies their refugee status and any associated rights.

This official stance makes them more vulnerable to denial of their human rights – freedom from detention and exploitation, access to public services, education, livelihoods and freedom of movement. Though Bangladesh is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol, it has an obligation under international human rights law to ensure that all people, including refugees, retain fundamental rights.

International response

In a recent leaked report, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) – of which Myanmar is a member – has been optimistic about the return of the Rohingyas, predicting an overall “smooth and orderly” repatriation.

While Malaysia and Indonesia, ASEAN’s two largest Muslim-majority member states, called for a proactive approach to address the crisis, other members offered only weak criticism of Myanmar’s handling of the situation and refrained from direct accusations of mass atrocities committed against the Rohingya population. Unsurprisingly, ASEAN was heavily criticised by human rights groups for the report, which did not even acknowledge the identity of Rohingyas, choosing to refer to them instead as “Bengalis”.

Another vital player in the Rohingya crisis has been the UN. In 2018 the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) signed a secret agreement that pushed for repatriation and the establishment of an identity card scheme, which many Rohingya opposed. An independent report analysing the involvement of the UN in Myanmar between 2010-2018, highlights its systemic failures, stating that: "Serious errors were committed, and opportunities were lost in the UN system, following a fragmented strategy rather than a common plan of action."

The report frames the political component as a downside to UN actions on the ground. Further criticism has come from human rights experts who have blasted the UN for downplaying the severity of the crisis until it was too late.

Peace vs Justice

The conditions for the Rohingya inside the world’s largest refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar are far from acceptable. Refugees lack proper sanitation and live in emergency conditions, but still they choose to remain rather to return under a repatriation deal without guarantees of justice for past (or potential) crimes against them.

Human Rights Watch says that the Myanmar national government and the Rakhine state government have consistently avoided responsibility for creating a safe space with basic human rights for returning refugees. Myanmar also refuses to provide access to international investigators to monitor the situation, and in terms of coverage of the Rohingya plight, press freedoms are very limited.

The Myanmar government is responsible for multiple crimes against the Rohingya, including genocide, rape and arson. Given that none of the key perpetrators have been held accountable, the Rohingya’s distrust of their plan is understandable.

The prosecution of key perpetrators is needed urgently, both for those who have lost loved ones as well as those who suffered violence and had to flee their country in fear of their lives. In the past, such trials have been paramount in attaining a sense of justice for victims while consolidating post-conflict peace.

Criminal accountability for the crimes committed is also crucial in order to establish and reinforce the rule of law in any post-conflict society. But peace should not be achieved through the expunging of past crimes – this simply perpetuates trauma and the sense of injustice felt by the victims.

When past mass-crimes remain unaddressed, the chances of recurrence remain high. Justice should not be perceived as an impediment to achieving peace; peace and justice should be seen as reinforcing one another – something the Myanmar government, the UN and ASEAN must recognise if they wish any repatriation deal to be accepted.

The overall situation of the Rohingya remains chaotic. The prospects for a repatriation deal that will cover the demands of the Rohingya remain unrealistic, at least in the short term, and their current status within Bangladesh as displaced Myanmar nationals is untenable. International organisations, such as ASEAN and the UN, are pushing for repatriation while ignoring the importance of attaining justice for the Rohingya people.

The danger of pushing for this fragile peace, which would at best only be a temporary measure, is that the motives of the conflict will not be resolved – namely the Myanmar people’s nationalistic support for their government’s refusal to acknowledge the Rohingya people.

The Rohingya will not accept any deal that does not acknowledge the crimes against them or which allows the perpetrators to escape justice. And they need to know that any future aggression against them will have lawful repercussions – a fundamental right that ASEAN and the UN must consider.

(Abdullah Yusuf is Lecturer in Politics, University of Dundee) 
 
(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/citizens-of-nowhere-one-million-rohingya-still-without-rights-status-or-justice-122135">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

By Abdullah Yusuf This month marks the second anniversary of Rohingya refugees fleeing into Bangladesh following a brutal crackdown by Myanmar’s security forces.

By Abdullah Yusuf This month marks the second anniversary of Rohingya refugees fleeing into Bangladesh following a brutal crackdown by Myanmar’s security forces. A predominantly Muslim ethnic minority from the Rakhine state of Buddhist Myanmar, the Rohingya have been called the “most persecuted minority in the world”. Promised their own autonomous state in return for helping Britain during World War II (which never happened), the Rohingya have a history of being resented by the Burmese/Myanmarese people. More recently, stripped of citizenship under a 1982 law which deemed the Rohingya as Bengali, they now find themselves stateless, as Myanmar and Bangladesh refuse to acknowledge them as citizens. In a recent visit to Cox’s Bazar, the coastal district in Bangladesh which houses Rohingya refugee camps, senior Myanmar officials tried to persuade them to return home. A repatriation deal was signed between Bangladesh and Myanmar in 2017 and 2018, but as I wrote last year, without a concrete commitment regarding their safety and the granting of citizenship, the Rohingya will continue to refuse the repatriation plea. To date, almost none have volunteered to return. Now hosting more than 1.1m Rohingyas, Bangladesh has pledged not to force anyone to leave the country. The refugees are officially registered as “forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals”, a designation that denies their refugee status and any associated rights. This official stance makes them more vulnerable to denial of their human rights – freedom from detention and exploitation, access to public services, education, livelihoods and freedom of movement. Though Bangladesh is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol, it has an obligation under international human rights law to ensure that all people, including refugees, retain fundamental rights. International response In a recent leaked report, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) – of which Myanmar is a member – has been optimistic about the return of the Rohingyas, predicting an overall “smooth and orderly” repatriation. While Malaysia and Indonesia, ASEAN’s two largest Muslim-majority member states, called for a proactive approach to address the crisis, other members offered only weak criticism of Myanmar’s handling of the situation and refrained from direct accusations of mass atrocities committed against the Rohingya population. Unsurprisingly, ASEAN was heavily criticised by human rights groups for the report, which did not even acknowledge the identity of Rohingyas, choosing to refer to them instead as “Bengalis”. Another vital player in the Rohingya crisis has been the UN. In 2018 the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) signed a secret agreement that pushed for repatriation and the establishment of an identity card scheme, which many Rohingya opposed. An independent report analysing the involvement of the UN in Myanmar between 2010-2018, highlights its systemic failures, stating that: "Serious errors were committed, and opportunities were lost in the UN system, following a fragmented strategy rather than a common plan of action." The report frames the political component as a downside to UN actions on the ground. Further criticism has come from human rights experts who have blasted the UN for downplaying the severity of the crisis until it was too late. Peace vs Justice The conditions for the Rohingya inside the world’s largest refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar are far from acceptable. Refugees lack proper sanitation and live in emergency conditions, but still they choose to remain rather to return under a repatriation deal without guarantees of justice for past (or potential) crimes against them. Human Rights Watch says that the Myanmar national government and the Rakhine state government have consistently avoided responsibility for creating a safe space with basic human rights for returning refugees. Myanmar also refuses to provide access to international investigators to monitor the situation, and in terms of coverage of the Rohingya plight, press freedoms are very limited. The Myanmar government is responsible for multiple crimes against the Rohingya, including genocide, rape and arson. Given that none of the key perpetrators have been held accountable, the Rohingya’s distrust of their plan is understandable. The prosecution of key perpetrators is needed urgently, both for those who have lost loved ones as well as those who suffered violence and had to flee their country in fear of their lives. In the past, such trials have been paramount in attaining a sense of justice for victims while consolidating post-conflict peace. Criminal accountability for the crimes committed is also crucial in order to establish and reinforce the rule of law in any post-conflict society. But peace should not be achieved through the expunging of past crimes – this simply perpetuates trauma and the sense of injustice felt by the victims. When past mass-crimes remain unaddressed, the chances of recurrence remain high. Justice should not be perceived as an impediment to achieving peace; peace and justice should be seen as reinforcing one another – something the Myanmar government, the UN and ASEAN must recognise if they wish any repatriation deal to be accepted. The overall situation of the Rohingya remains chaotic. The prospects for a repatriation deal that will cover the demands of the Rohingya remain unrealistic, at least in the short term, and their current status within Bangladesh as displaced Myanmar nationals is untenable. International organisations, such as ASEAN and the UN, are pushing for repatriation while ignoring the importance of attaining justice for the Rohingya people. The danger of pushing for this fragile peace, which would at best only be a temporary measure, is that the motives of the conflict will not be resolved – namely the Myanmar people’s nationalistic support for their government’s refusal to acknowledge the Rohingya people. The Rohingya will not accept any deal that does not acknowledge the crimes against them or which allows the perpetrators to escape justice. And they need to know that any future aggression against them will have lawful repercussions – a fundamental right that ASEAN and the UN must consider. (Abdullah Yusuf is Lecturer in Politics, University of Dundee) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Two years on, Rohingyas still without rights, status or justice

More than 2,000 people have been forced to flee from their homes, and 19 have been killed since fighting broke out between government troops and ethnic minority insurgents in northern Myanmar last week, government officials said Wednesday.

The escalation in hostilities in Myanmar’s fractured north is another setback for civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s bid to bring peace amid a stuttering transition from full military rule.

The people displaced in the latest fighting are sheltering in monasteries around Lashio town in the north of Shan State, and are depending on aid groups and the government for their supplies, aid workers said.

"We are providing basic rescue materials as well as cash to displaced people in the camps, the injured people and also to family members of those who got killed," Soe Naing, director of the Department of Disaster Management in Shan State, told Reuters.

Aid would be delivered as long as people needed to stay in the camps, he said.

Tension in the region has risen since Thursday, when a coalition of anti-government insurgent groups known as the Northern Alliance staged attacks including on an elite army college that killed more than a dozen people, mostly security forces personnel.

Nobel laureate Suu Kyi came to power following a landslide election win in late 2016, vowing to prioritise peace talks between ethnic minority guerrilla groups, the military and civilian government.

But the conflict has escalated in Kachin State in the north and in Shan State, as the western Rakhine region on the border with Bangladesh.

More than 2,000 people have been forced to flee from their homes, and 19 have been killed since fighting broke out between government troops and ethnic minority insurgents in northern Myanmar last week, government officials said Wednesday.

More than 2,000 people have been forced to flee from their homes, and 19 have been killed since fighting broke out between government troops and ethnic minority insurgents in northern Myanmar last week, government officials said Wednesday. The escalation in hostilities in Myanmar’s fractured north is another setback for civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s bid to bring peace amid a stuttering transition from full military rule. The people displaced in the latest fighting are sheltering in monasteries around Lashio town in the north of Shan State, and are depending on aid groups and the government for their supplies, aid workers said. "We are providing basic rescue materials as well as cash to displaced people in the camps, the injured people and also to family members of those who got killed," Soe Naing, director of the Department of Disaster Management in Shan State, told Reuters. Aid would be delivered as long as people needed to stay in the camps, he said. Tension in the region has risen since Thursday, when a coalition of anti-government insurgent groups known as the Northern Alliance staged attacks including on an elite army college that killed more than a dozen people, mostly security forces personnel. Nobel laureate Suu Kyi came to power following a landslide election win in late 2016, vowing to prioritise peace talks between ethnic minority guerrilla groups, the military and civilian government. But the conflict has escalated in Kachin State in the north and in Shan State, as the western Rakhine region on the border with Bangladesh.

More than 2,000 people displaced, 19 killed in Myanmar fighting

More support for India's move on Jammu and Kashmir, after Maldives, Bhutan and Bangladesh, now Nepal too has come out and backed India on Kashmir issue. Watch full video to know more.

After Bhutan, Maldives and Bangladesh, Nepal backs India's move on J&K

Bangladesh plans to repatriate 3,540 Rohingya refugees. Watch this video to know more.

WION Fineprint: Rohingyas demand guarantee of citizenship

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-facebook-dismantle-social-media-campaign-in-china-that-tried-to-undermine-hong-kong-protests-244261">Twitter, Facebook dismantle social media campaign in China that tried to undermine Hong Kong protests</a>

Twitter and Facebook said on Monday they had dismantled a state-backed social media campaign originating in mainland China that sought to undermine protests in Hong Kong.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/around-3500-rohingya-cleared-to-return-home-to-myanmar-starting-this-week-source-244272">Around 3,500 Rohingya cleared to return home to Myanmar starting this week: Source</a>

Some 3,500 Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh have been cleared to return home to Myanmar beginning this week, a top official said Monday, nearly two years after a military crackdown sparked their exodus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-mulling-tax-cut-to-avoid-recession-report-244271">White House mulling tax cut to avoid recession: Report</a>

The White House is considering cutting taxes or revering tariffs to head off a recession, US media reported on Monday, despite President Donald Trump's insistence on the economy's health.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-immediately-end-freedom-of-movement-for-people-from-european-union-after-brexit-244264">UK to immediately end freedom of movement for people from European Union after Brexit</a>

Britain said Monday it will immediately end freedom of movement for people from the European Union after Brexit on October 31, in a policy shift under Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jeffrey-epstein-wrote-will-two-days-before-death-puts-578-million-in-assets-into-trust-with-unnamed-beneficiaries-report-244262">Jeffrey Epstein wrote will two days before death, puts $578 million in assets into trust with unnamed beneficiaries: Report</a>

Disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein wrote a will two days before he died, putting his $578 million in assets into a trust with unnamed beneficiaries, the New York Post reported Monday.

Twitter, Facebook dismantle social media campaign in China that tried to undermine Hong Kong protests Twitter and Facebook said on Monday they had dismantled a state-backed social media campaign originating in mainland China that sought to undermine protests in Hong Kong.

Twitter, Facebook dismantle social media campaign in China that tried to undermine Hong Kong protests Twitter and Facebook said on Monday they had dismantled a state-backed social media campaign originating in mainland China that sought to undermine protests in Hong Kong. Around 3,500 Rohingya cleared to return home to Myanmar starting this week: Source Some 3,500 Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh have been cleared to return home to Myanmar beginning this week, a top official said Monday, nearly two years after a military crackdown sparked their exodus. White House mulling tax cut to avoid recession: Report The White House is considering cutting taxes or revering tariffs to head off a recession, US media reported on Monday, despite President Donald Trump's insistence on the economy's health. UK to immediately end freedom of movement for people from European Union after Brexit Britain said Monday it will immediately end freedom of movement for people from the European Union after Brexit on October 31, in a policy shift under Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Jeffrey Epstein wrote will two days before death, puts $578 million in assets into trust with unnamed beneficiaries: Report Disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein wrote a will two days before he died, putting his $578 million in assets into a trust with unnamed beneficiaries, the New York Post reported Monday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Some 3,500 Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh have been cleared to return home to Myanmar beginning this week, a top official said Monday, nearly two years after a military crackdown sparked their exodus.

Some <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/security-tightened-as-myanmar-delegation-visits-rohingya-camps-238712">740,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh</a> in August 2017 from a military offensive in Myanmar -- joining 200,000 already there -- but virtually none have volunteered to return despite the countries signing a repatriation deal.

Bangladesh refugee commissioner Mohammad Abul Kalam, however, said he was "optimistic" about a new repatriation process scheduled to start on Thursday.

A previous attempt in November 2018 to return 2,260 Rohingya failed after they refused to leave the camp without guarantees for their safety.

"Everything is ready... the land transit point has been prepared," Kalam told reporters after a meeting with Myanmar officials in Cox's Bazar, southeast Bangladesh, where the refugees live in vast camps.

"Nobody will be forced to return unless they volunteer," he said.

Bangladesh and Myanmar officials plan to repatriate 300 Rohingya each day, with some 3,500 refugees cleared to make the journey home, Kalam said.

The new push follows a visit last month to the camps by high-ranking officials from Myanmar led by Permanent Foreign Secretary Myint Thu.

Sunday will mark the second anniversary of the crackdown that sparked the mass exodus to the Bangladesh camps.

Kalam said Myanmar and United Nations officials were meeting with selected refugees on Tuesday to encourage them to return to Rakhine state.&nbsp;

The Rohingya, who are mostly Muslim, are not recognised as an official minority by the Myanmar government which considers them Bengali interlopers despite many families having lived in Rakhine for generations.

Some 3,500 Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh have been cleared to return home to Myanmar beginning this week, a top official said Monday, nearly two years after a military crackdown sparked their exodus.

Some 3,500 Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh have been cleared to return home to Myanmar beginning this week, a top official said Monday, nearly two years after a military crackdown sparked their exodus. Some 740,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh in August 2017 from a military offensive in Myanmar -- joining 200,000 already there -- but virtually none have volunteered to return despite the countries signing a repatriation deal. Bangladesh refugee commissioner Mohammad Abul Kalam, however, said he was "optimistic" about a new repatriation process scheduled to start on Thursday. A previous attempt in November 2018 to return 2,260 Rohingya failed after they refused to leave the camp without guarantees for their safety. "Everything is ready... the land transit point has been prepared," Kalam told reporters after a meeting with Myanmar officials in Cox's Bazar, southeast Bangladesh, where the refugees live in vast camps. "Nobody will be forced to return unless they volunteer," he said. Bangladesh and Myanmar officials plan to repatriate 300 Rohingya each day, with some 3,500 refugees cleared to make the journey home, Kalam said. The new push follows a visit last month to the camps by high-ranking officials from Myanmar led by Permanent Foreign Secretary Myint Thu. Sunday will mark the second anniversary of the crackdown that sparked the mass exodus to the Bangladesh camps. Kalam said Myanmar and United Nations officials were meeting with selected refugees on Tuesday to encourage them to return to Rakhine state. The Rohingya, who are mostly Muslim, are not recognised as an official minority by the Myanmar government which considers them Bengali interlopers despite many families having lived in Rakhine for generations.

Around 3,500 Rohingya cleared to return home to Myanmar starting this week: Source

After a meeting with his Bangladesh counterpart A K Abdul Momen, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said there is "no change" in India's position on the proposed Teesta water-sharing agreement between New Delhi and Dhaka.

"We have a position. We have a commitment to that position. There is no change," he told the media after his meeting with Momen at the state guest house Jamuna, reported Dhaka Tribune.

Sharing of water of the Teesta River, which originates from Sikkim and flows through West Bengal to merge with the Brahmaputra in Assam and Jamuna in Bangladesh, is the most contentious issue between New Delhi and Dhaka. While Bangladesh has demanded 50 per cent of the river's water supply from December to March, India has claimed a share of 55 per cent.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Bangladesh: Speaking to media after bilateral discussions, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said that he had a fruitful interaction with Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen 
and India is looking forward to host Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in New Delhi in October. <a href="https://t.co/rF5QDtA5Kc">pic.twitter.com/rF5QDtA5Kc</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1163770457495080966?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Previously, the Teesta water agreement was slated to be inked between the two countries on September 6, 2011, during the visit of former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Dhaka.

But the proposed deal was called off after repeated objections by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The water-sharing issue was once again discussed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Dhaka in June 2015.

Modi had assured his Bangladeshi counterpart, Shiekh Hasina, that the waters of the river would be shared while looking forward to achieving a quick resolution to the issue.

Jaishnakar, who is on a three-day visit to Bangladesh, held "fruitful interaction" with Momen on a wide range of bilateral issues including Rohingyas and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's upcoming visit to New Delhi in October.

The External Affairs Minister said India is looking forward to host her. Jaishankar described Bangladesh-India relations as a model for other South Asian countries.

"Speaking to the media after the bilateral discussions #JamunaGuestHouse, EAM @DrSJaishankar said that he had a fruitful interaction with Foreign Minister H.E. Dr. @AKAbdulMomen and that #India is looking forward to host Prime Minister H.E. Sheikh Hasina in #NewDelhi in October," the Indian Embassy in Bangladesh tweeted.

While speaking on the issue of Rohingyas, Jaishankar said Bangladesh and India have agreed upon their "safe, speedy and sustainable <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-agency-bangladesh-begin-survey-of-rohingya-over-return-to-myanmar-244372">return" to Myanmar</a>.

More than 700,000 Rohingya fled Myanmar's western Rakhine state after a military crackdown that started in August last year. Many of them entered Bangladesh and are living there since then.

Jaishankar is scheduled to meet Hasina. Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka, Riva Ganguly Das, will be hosting a private dinner for the minister tonight.&nbsp;

After a meeting with his Bangladesh counterpart A K Abdul Momen, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said there is "no change" in India's position on the proposed Teesta water-sharing agreement between New Delhi and Dhaka.

After a meeting with his Bangladesh counterpart A K Abdul Momen, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said there is "no change" in India's position on the proposed Teesta water-sharing agreement between New Delhi and Dhaka. "We have a position. We have a commitment to that position. There is no change," he told the media after his meeting with Momen at the state guest house Jamuna, reported Dhaka Tribune. Sharing of water of the Teesta River, which originates from Sikkim and flows through West Bengal to merge with the Brahmaputra in Assam and Jamuna in Bangladesh, is the most contentious issue between New Delhi and Dhaka. While Bangladesh has demanded 50 per cent of the river's water supply from December to March, India has claimed a share of 55 per cent. Bangladesh: Speaking to media after bilateral discussions, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said that he had a fruitful interaction with Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen and India is looking forward to host Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in New Delhi in October. pic.twitter.com/rF5QDtA5Kc — ANI (@ANI) August 20, 2019 × Previously, the Teesta water agreement was slated to be inked between the two countries on September 6, 2011, during the visit of former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Dhaka. But the proposed deal was called off after repeated objections by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The water-sharing issue was once again discussed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Dhaka in June 2015. Modi had assured his Bangladeshi counterpart, Shiekh Hasina, that the waters of the river would be shared while looking forward to achieving a quick resolution to the issue. Jaishnakar, who is on a three-day visit to Bangladesh, held "fruitful interaction" with Momen on a wide range of bilateral issues including Rohingyas and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's upcoming visit to New Delhi in October. The External Affairs Minister said India is looking forward to host her. Jaishankar described Bangladesh-India relations as a model for other South Asian countries. "Speaking to the media after the bilateral discussions #JamunaGuestHouse, EAM @DrSJaishankar said that he had a fruitful interaction with Foreign Minister H.E. Dr. @AKAbdulMomen and that #India is looking forward to host Prime Minister H.E. Sheikh Hasina in #NewDelhi in October," the Indian Embassy in Bangladesh tweeted. While speaking on the issue of Rohingyas, Jaishankar said Bangladesh and India have agreed upon their "safe, speedy and sustainable return" to Myanmar. More than 700,000 Rohingya fled Myanmar's western Rakhine state after a military crackdown that started in August last year. Many of them entered Bangladesh and are living there since then. Jaishankar is scheduled to meet Hasina. Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka, Riva Ganguly Das, will be hosting a private dinner for the minister tonight.

'No change' in Teesta water-sharing agreement with Bangladesh: S Jaishankar

The United Nations' refugee agency and Bangladesh authorities on Tuesday started to consult more than 3,000 Rohingya refugees from Myanmar to determine if any want to return home, officials said, as a fresh repatriation bid was launched.

More than 730,000 Rohingya fled Rakhine for neighbouring Bangladesh after a military-led crackdown in August 2017 the United Nations has said was perpetrated with "genocidal intent", but many refugees refuse to go back, fearing more violence.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/around-3500-rohingya-cleared-to-return-home-to-myanmar-starting-this-week-source-244272">Myanmar cleared 3,450 people to return</a>, from a list of more than 22,000 provided by Bangladesh, authorities said.

"The intentions surveys are beginning today," Louise Donovan, a UNHCR spokeswoman in the Cox's Bazar district of Bangladesh, told Reuters.

"Together, the government of Bangladesh and UNHCR will ask these refugees to come forward and discuss the option of repatriation."

The agency will hold a second confidential interview with those who express a wish to return, she added, to discuss their intentions, and ensure the decision is voluntary, she said.

"They will be asked to complete a voluntary repatriation form," she added.

A representative of Bangladesh's refugee relief effort will also attend the interviews, a government official said.

"The UN refugee agency has started interviewing the Rohingya on the list," Mohammad Abul Kalam, the country's refugee relief and repatriation commissioner, said by telephone.

"Transit centres, transport facilities…everything is ready to start the repatriation on Thursday," he added.

The UN&nbsp;Security Council is set to discuss the latest repatriation plan behind closed doors on Wednesday, at the request of Belgium, Britain, France, Germany and the United States, diplomats said.

British charity Oxfam called for the international community to step up diplomatic pressure on Myanmar and expressed concern about human rights violations there. 
 
"Oxfam remains concerned about human rights violations in Myanmar and hopes the government will take this opportunity to recognise the equal rights of Rohingya people and to lift the heavy restrictions on their movement," said Elizabeth Hallinan, an official of the charity.

"Refugees long to return to their homes, but they tell us they fear going back without rights and justice," Hallinan said in a statement.

Last week, Myanmar government spokesman Zaw Htay said officials had scrutinized the list of refugees to determine whether they had lived in Myanmar and had been involved in attacks on the military.

The 2017 crackdown was preceded by attacks on security forces by insurgents calling themselves the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, which Myanmar has classified as a terrorist organization.

Previous attempts at persuading Rohingya to return to Rakhine have failed due to opposition from refugees. An effort in November sowed fear and confusion in the camps, and finally failed after refugee protests. 
&nbsp;

The United Nations' refugee agency and Bangladesh authorities on Tuesday started to consult more than 3,000 Rohingya refugees from Myanmar to determine if any want to return home, officials said, as a fresh repatriation bid was launched.

The United Nations' refugee agency and Bangladesh authorities on Tuesday started to consult more than 3,000 Rohingya refugees from Myanmar to determine if any want to return home, officials said, as a fresh repatriation bid was launched. More than 730,000 Rohingya fled Rakhine for neighbouring Bangladesh after a military-led crackdown in August 2017 the United Nations has said was perpetrated with "genocidal intent", but many refugees refuse to go back, fearing more violence. Myanmar cleared 3,450 people to return, from a list of more than 22,000 provided by Bangladesh, authorities said. "The intentions surveys are beginning today," Louise Donovan, a UNHCR spokeswoman in the Cox's Bazar district of Bangladesh, told Reuters. "Together, the government of Bangladesh and UNHCR will ask these refugees to come forward and discuss the option of repatriation." The agency will hold a second confidential interview with those who express a wish to return, she added, to discuss their intentions, and ensure the decision is voluntary, she said. "They will be asked to complete a voluntary repatriation form," she added. A representative of Bangladesh's refugee relief effort will also attend the interviews, a government official said. "The UN refugee agency has started interviewing the Rohingya on the list," Mohammad Abul Kalam, the country's refugee relief and repatriation commissioner, said by telephone. "Transit centres, transport facilities…everything is ready to start the repatriation on Thursday," he added. The UN Security Council is set to discuss the latest repatriation plan behind closed doors on Wednesday, at the request of Belgium, Britain, France, Germany and the United States, diplomats said. British charity Oxfam called for the international community to step up diplomatic pressure on Myanmar and expressed concern about human rights violations there. "Oxfam remains concerned about human rights violations in Myanmar and hopes the government will take this opportunity to recognise the equal rights of Rohingya people and to lift the heavy restrictions on their movement," said Elizabeth Hallinan, an official of the charity. "Refugees long to return to their homes, but they tell us they fear going back without rights and justice," Hallinan said in a statement. Last week, Myanmar government spokesman Zaw Htay said officials had scrutinized the list of refugees to determine whether they had lived in Myanmar and had been involved in attacks on the military. The 2017 crackdown was preceded by attacks on security forces by insurgents calling themselves the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, which Myanmar has classified as a terrorist organization. Previous attempts at persuading Rohingya to return to Rakhine have failed due to opposition from refugees. An effort in November sowed fear and confusion in the camps, and finally failed after refugee protests.

UN agency, Bangladesh begin survey of Rohingya over return to Myanmar

When Mohammad Rafiq spotted two Rohingya refugee girls dusting their faces with circles of traditional thanaka powder under the warm morning light, he quickly took out his smartphone to capture the moment.

The 19-year-old budding photographer, who fled to Bangladesh in August 2017 after a military crackdown in Myanmar, uses his mobile phone to record the daily lives of nearly one million stateless Rohingya in a vast camp in southern Bangladesh.

"I loved the photo instantly as it reflects our culture and the innocence of the little girls who barely want to remember the crisis we are facing," Rafiq told AFP.

Rafiq is among some 30 Rohingya youths selected by the World Food Programme for its "Storytellers" project.

For two weeks, they are taught smartphone photo and video-shooting techniques -- such as understanding light, exposure and angles -- as well as writing skills.

The refugees then share their stories directly with the public through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, with audiences around the world posting comments and asking questions.

"The idea behind it is to be able to hand back the narrative to the people that we are already assisting," WFP spokeswoman Gemma Snowdon told AFP.

The Storytellers Page on Facebook has more than 30,000 followers and includes similar schemes rolled out in Chad and Uganda.

All the Rohingya posters have a similar goal -- to share with the outside world the raw, emotional ups and downs they face living in the world's largest refugee camp.

Minara, who was four months' pregnant when she fled Myanmar, shares videos of how refugees are given ropes to tie their makeshift tarpaulin roofs to bamboo poles so they are not blown away by strong winds.

Another post, by Hafsa Aktar, is a heartrending letter to her father who was left behind, in which she writes of the difficult conditions in the camp and her deep longing to return to her homeland.

Life through the lens

Being able to take photos again has put a spring in the steps of Rafiq, who wanted to continue his schooling after the 10th grade in Myanmar but was blocked by authorities.

When he was 15, Rafiq's father bought him his first-ever smartphone as a present. Thrilled with the device, he explored his town in Myanmar's northern Rakhine state, taking photos of everything he loved.

But Rafiq's life was turned upside down in 2017 when the brutal army campaign drove some 740,000 Rohingya Muslims across the border to Cox's Bazar, where another 200,000 refugees were already living in squalid camps.

During the arduous journey to neighbouring Bangladesh to escape the violence, the teenager lost his favourite possession -- his smartphone.

"I arrived in Bangladesh with my mother and three younger siblings after 10 days of harrowing walks through the hills," Rafiq recalled as he sat in a shanty inside the camp.

"I wish I could have captured the moments of anguish we had to suffer on our way out of Myanmar."

Now Rafiq is becoming a star on Facebook through his photos.

In one post that has attracted some 180,000 views, Rafiq captures a woman meditating during the month of Ramadan to show how the Muslim minority are now free to practise their religion even as they grapple with the hardships in the crammed shelters.

"International media is covering the stories in the camps but they are not here 24/7 but I am," he said, adding that his stories were more authentic.

"People learn from my stories that we are seeking justice and want to return home."

On some days, Rafiq walks to a vantage point in the camps where he can see the hills of Myanmar shrouded by clouds in the distance, and thinks of home.

"I see flashbacks of how my friends and I used to roam around the place. I feel very sad," he said, adding that he hopes to return one day and be a photojournalist.

"That will be the fulfilment of my dream."

When Mohammad Rafiq spotted two Rohingya refugee girls dusting their faces with circles of traditional thanaka powder under the warm morning light, he quickly took out his smartphone to capture the moment.

When Mohammad Rafiq spotted two Rohingya refugee girls dusting their faces with circles of traditional thanaka powder under the warm morning light, he quickly took out his smartphone to capture the moment. The 19-year-old budding photographer, who fled to Bangladesh in August 2017 after a military crackdown in Myanmar, uses his mobile phone to record the daily lives of nearly one million stateless Rohingya in a vast camp in southern Bangladesh. "I loved the photo instantly as it reflects our culture and the innocence of the little girls who barely want to remember the crisis we are facing," Rafiq told AFP. Rafiq is among some 30 Rohingya youths selected by the World Food Programme for its "Storytellers" project. For two weeks, they are taught smartphone photo and video-shooting techniques -- such as understanding light, exposure and angles -- as well as writing skills. The refugees then share their stories directly with the public through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, with audiences around the world posting comments and asking questions. "The idea behind it is to be able to hand back the narrative to the people that we are already assisting," WFP spokeswoman Gemma Snowdon told AFP. The Storytellers Page on Facebook has more than 30,000 followers and includes similar schemes rolled out in Chad and Uganda. All the Rohingya posters have a similar goal -- to share with the outside world the raw, emotional ups and downs they face living in the world's largest refugee camp. Minara, who was four months' pregnant when she fled Myanmar, shares videos of how refugees are given ropes to tie their makeshift tarpaulin roofs to bamboo poles so they are not blown away by strong winds. Another post, by Hafsa Aktar, is a heartrending letter to her father who was left behind, in which she writes of the difficult conditions in the camp and her deep longing to return to her homeland. Life through the lens Being able to take photos again has put a spring in the steps of Rafiq, who wanted to continue his schooling after the 10th grade in Myanmar but was blocked by authorities. When he was 15, Rafiq's father bought him his first-ever smartphone as a present. Thrilled with the device, he explored his town in Myanmar's northern Rakhine state, taking photos of everything he loved. But Rafiq's life was turned upside down in 2017 when the brutal army campaign drove some 740,000 Rohingya Muslims across the border to Cox's Bazar, where another 200,000 refugees were already living in squalid camps. During the arduous journey to neighbouring Bangladesh to escape the violence, the teenager lost his favourite possession -- his smartphone. "I arrived in Bangladesh with my mother and three younger siblings after 10 days of harrowing walks through the hills," Rafiq recalled as he sat in a shanty inside the camp. "I wish I could have captured the moments of anguish we had to suffer on our way out of Myanmar." Now Rafiq is becoming a star on Facebook through his photos. In one post that has attracted some 180,000 views, Rafiq captures a woman meditating during the month of Ramadan to show how the Muslim minority are now free to practise their religion even as they grapple with the hardships in the crammed shelters. "International media is covering the stories in the camps but they are not here 24/7 but I am," he said, adding that his stories were more authentic. "People learn from my stories that we are seeking justice and want to return home." On some days, Rafiq walks to a vantage point in the camps where he can see the hills of Myanmar shrouded by clouds in the distance, and thinks of home. "I see flashbacks of how my friends and I used to roam around the place. I feel very sad," he said, adding that he hopes to return one day and be a photojournalist. "That will be the fulfilment of my dream."

'I'm here 24/7': Rohingya youths share their stories on social media

At least 10,000 people are homeless after a massive fire swept through a crowded slum in the Bangladesh capital and destroyed thousands of shanties, officials said Sunday.

The fire broke out at in Dhaka's Mirpur neighbourhood late on Friday and razed around 2,000 mostly tin shacks, fire services official Ershad Hossain told AFP.

"I could not salvage a single thing. I don't know what will I do," 58-year-old Abdul Hamid, who ran a tea stall inside the slum, told AFP as he broke down in tears.

Authorities eventually got the blaze under control and no-one was killed, although several people had minor injuries, firefighters said.

Many residents -- largely low-income garment factory workers -- were not in the slum as they had left their homes to celebrate the Muslim Eid al-Adha holiday with their families.

"Otherwise, the damage would have been bigger," local police chief Golam Rabbani said.

Around 10,000 people have taken refuge in crammed camps at nearby schools closed for the weeklong holiday, according to Hossain.

"We are providing them with food, water, mobile toilets, and electricity supply," municipal official Shafiul Azam told AFP, adding that authorities were trying to find permanent accommodation.

Some families have erected tarpaulins to shelter them from bouts of rain during the monsoon season, but the wet conditions have turned the fields muddy.

Experts say fires are frequent in Dhaka due to lax safety measures.

At least 100 people have been killed so far this year in building fires across the densely populated metropolitan city.

In 2012, a fire swept through a nine-storey garment factory near Dhaka killing 111 workers. An investigation found it was caused by sabotage and that managers at the plant had prevented victims from escaping.

A 2010 fire in Nimtoli, one of the most densely populated districts of the capital, killed 123 people.

At least 10,000 people are homeless after a massive fire swept through a crowded slum in the Bangladesh capital and destroyed thousands of shanties, officials said Sunday.

At least 10,000 people are homeless after a massive fire swept through a crowded slum in the Bangladesh capital and destroyed thousands of shanties, officials said Sunday. The fire broke out at in Dhaka's Mirpur neighbourhood late on Friday and razed around 2,000 mostly tin shacks, fire services official Ershad Hossain told AFP. "I could not salvage a single thing. I don't know what will I do," 58-year-old Abdul Hamid, who ran a tea stall inside the slum, told AFP as he broke down in tears. Authorities eventually got the blaze under control and no-one was killed, although several people had minor injuries, firefighters said. Many residents -- largely low-income garment factory workers -- were not in the slum as they had left their homes to celebrate the Muslim Eid al-Adha holiday with their families. "Otherwise, the damage would have been bigger," local police chief Golam Rabbani said. Around 10,000 people have taken refuge in crammed camps at nearby schools closed for the weeklong holiday, according to Hossain. "We are providing them with food, water, mobile toilets, and electricity supply," municipal official Shafiul Azam told AFP, adding that authorities were trying to find permanent accommodation. Some families have erected tarpaulins to shelter them from bouts of rain during the monsoon season, but the wet conditions have turned the fields muddy. Experts say fires are frequent in Dhaka due to lax safety measures. At least 100 people have been killed so far this year in building fires across the densely populated metropolitan city. In 2012, a fire swept through a nine-storey garment factory near Dhaka killing 111 workers. An investigation found it was caused by sabotage and that managers at the plant had prevented victims from escaping. A 2010 fire in Nimtoli, one of the most densely populated districts of the capital, killed 123 people.

At least 10,000 homeless after fire razes Bangladesh slum

Myanmar and Bangladesh will start a fresh attempt next week to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/talks-were-positive-says-bangladesh-refugee-commissioner-after-myanmar-rohingya-discussion-over-repatriation-239048">repatriate thousands of Rohingya Muslims</a> who fled violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state, officials said on Thursday, nearly a year after a major attempt failed.&nbsp;

More than 730,000 Rohingya fled Rakhine for neighbouring Bangladesh after a military-led crackdown in August 2017 the United Nations has said was perpetrated with "genocidal intent", but many refugees refuse to go back, fearing more violence.

A total of 3,540 refugees have been cleared for return by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-14-dead-in-unprecedented-rebel-attack-on-myanmar-military-town-243181">Myanmar</a> from a list of more than 22,000 names recently sent by Bangladesh, officials from both countries told Reuters.

The first group of refugees would return to Myanmar next week, providing any agree to go back.

"We have agreed to the repatriation of 3,540 people on August 22," Myint Thu, a spokesman for Myanmar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told Reuters by phone.

Previous attempts at persuading Rohingya to return to Rakhine have failed due to opposition from refugees. An effort in November sowed fear and confusion in the camps and finally failed after refugee protests.

A senior Bangladeshi official told Reuters the new effort was a "small-scale" repatriation plan, adding that nobody will be forced to return.

"Bangladesh wants nothing but safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation," said the official, who asked not to be named because he was not authorised to speak to media.

Mohammed Eleyas, a Rohingya activist with the Arakan Rohingya Society for Peace and Human Rights, said refugees had not been consulted about the process.

Myanmar should agree to the key demands of the community before repatriation begins, he said in a message.

UN officials have been asked to survey the refugees verified by Myanmar to determine whether they want to return, according to internal emails by the refugee agency, UNHCR, seen by Reuters.

"UNHCR will provide refugees with the relevant and reliable information available on the conditions in Myanmar, subject to current constraint on access in the areas of return," one of the emails said.

A UNHCR spokeswoman referred questions to Myanmar's ministry of foreign affairs.

Tens of thousands of Rohingya remain inside Myanmar, confined to camps and villages across Rakhine state where they are denied citizenship and their movements restricted.

Cleaning camps

The UN has said conditions in Rakhine state, where government troops have been fighting an insurgency for months, are not conducive for the return of refugees.&nbsp;

The region has been enveloped in a new war, with government troops fighting Arakan Army insurgents, members of an ethnic armed group that recruits from the mostly Buddhist Rakhine, who make up the majority in the area.

A UN investigator said in July that human rights violations against civilians by security forces and insurgents may amount to fresh war crimes, citing reports of deaths during army interrogations.

Myanmar authorities have blocked most humanitarian agencies, including the UN, from the area.

In July, an Australian think-tank said the government had made "minimal preparations" for the return of refugees.

An analysis of satellite imagery showed no signs of reconstruction in the overwhelming majority of former Rohingya settlements, while destruction of homes continued as recently as this year, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute said.&nbsp;

Min Thein, a director at Myanmar's social welfare ministry, said officials had been sent to reinforce several centres built on the border with Bangladesh that have sat empty for months.

"We are preparing to be ready – cleaning the transit camps, reinforcing the staff levels," said Min Thein.

Myanmar and Bangladesh will start a fresh attempt next week to repatriate thousands of Rohingya Muslims who fled violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state, officials said on Thursday, nearly a year after a major attempt failed.

Myanmar and Bangladesh will start a fresh attempt next week to repatriate thousands of Rohingya Muslims who fled violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state, officials said on Thursday, nearly a year after a major attempt failed. More than 730,000 Rohingya fled Rakhine for neighbouring Bangladesh after a military-led crackdown in August 2017 the United Nations has said was perpetrated with "genocidal intent", but many refugees refuse to go back, fearing more violence. A total of 3,540 refugees have been cleared for return by Myanmar from a list of more than 22,000 names recently sent by Bangladesh, officials from both countries told Reuters. The first group of refugees would return to Myanmar next week, providing any agree to go back. "We have agreed to the repatriation of 3,540 people on August 22," Myint Thu, a spokesman for Myanmar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told Reuters by phone. Previous attempts at persuading Rohingya to return to Rakhine have failed due to opposition from refugees. An effort in November sowed fear and confusion in the camps and finally failed after refugee protests. A senior Bangladeshi official told Reuters the new effort was a "small-scale" repatriation plan, adding that nobody will be forced to return. "Bangladesh wants nothing but safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation," said the official, who asked not to be named because he was not authorised to speak to media. Mohammed Eleyas, a Rohingya activist with the Arakan Rohingya Society for Peace and Human Rights, said refugees had not been consulted about the process. Myanmar should agree to the key demands of the community before repatriation begins, he said in a message. UN officials have been asked to survey the refugees verified by Myanmar to determine whether they want to return, according to internal emails by the refugee agency, UNHCR, seen by Reuters. "UNHCR will provide refugees with the relevant and reliable information available on the conditions in Myanmar, subject to current constraint on access in the areas of return," one of the emails said. A UNHCR spokeswoman referred questions to Myanmar's ministry of foreign affairs. Tens of thousands of Rohingya remain inside Myanmar, confined to camps and villages across Rakhine state where they are denied citizenship and their movements restricted. Cleaning camps The UN has said conditions in Rakhine state, where government troops have been fighting an insurgency for months, are not conducive for the return of refugees. The region has been enveloped in a new war, with government troops fighting Arakan Army insurgents, members of an ethnic armed group that recruits from the mostly Buddhist Rakhine, who make up the majority in the area. A UN investigator said in July that human rights violations against civilians by security forces and insurgents may amount to fresh war crimes, citing reports of deaths during army interrogations. Myanmar authorities have blocked most humanitarian agencies, including the UN, from the area. In July, an Australian think-tank said the government had made "minimal preparations" for the return of refugees. An analysis of satellite imagery showed no signs of reconstruction in the overwhelming majority of former Rohingya settlements, while destruction of homes continued as recently as this year, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute said. Min Thein, a director at Myanmar's social welfare ministry, said officials had been sent to reinforce several centres built on the border with Bangladesh that have sat empty for months. "We are preparing to be ready – cleaning the transit camps, reinforcing the staff levels," said Min Thein.

Myanmar, Bangladesh agree to start Rohingya repatriation next week

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-faces-worst-ever-dengue-fever-outbreak-239918">At least 40 people have died in Bangladesh</a>'s worst-ever outbreak of dengue, officials said Tuesday, as overburdened hospitals struggled to treat thousands of patients.

Outbreaks of the mosquito-borne viral infection, which causes flu-like symptoms but can be deadly if it develops into a hemorrhagic fever, usually occur in the South Asian nation during the monsoon season between June and September but this year the disease has reached epidemic proportions.

More than 44,000 people have been admitted to hospitals with the illness since January, including some 2,100 on Monday alone, said health ministry official Ayesha Akhter.&nbsp;

"We have confirmed 40 dengue-related casualties so far to Monday," she told AFP.

Local media put the number much higher, reporting that the death toll passed 100 last week.

The week-long holiday marking the Muslim festival of Eid-al-Adha has seen hundreds of thousands of people leaving Bangladeshi cities to return to their family homes in the countryside, raising concerns that the disease will spread further.&nbsp;

The country's health minister said the outbreak was "gradually reducing" while inaugurating an emergency dengue ward at a public hospital in Dhaka this week.

For the first time on record, holidays for all public health workers have been cancelled to help respond to the crisis, said health ministry director-general Abul Kalam Azad.

"It is getting very tough to cope up with the amount of work pressure," one medical officer told AFP.

At least 40 people have died in Bangladesh's worst-ever outbreak of dengue, officials said Tuesday, as overburdened hospitals struggled to treat thousands of patients.

At least 40 people have died in Bangladesh's worst-ever outbreak of dengue, officials said Tuesday, as overburdened hospitals struggled to treat thousands of patients. Outbreaks of the mosquito-borne viral infection, which causes flu-like symptoms but can be deadly if it develops into a hemorrhagic fever, usually occur in the South Asian nation during the monsoon season between June and September but this year the disease has reached epidemic proportions. More than 44,000 people have been admitted to hospitals with the illness since January, including some 2,100 on Monday alone, said health ministry official Ayesha Akhter. "We have confirmed 40 dengue-related casualties so far to Monday," she told AFP. Local media put the number much higher, reporting that the death toll passed 100 last week. The week-long holiday marking the Muslim festival of Eid-al-Adha has seen hundreds of thousands of people leaving Bangladeshi cities to return to their family homes in the countryside, raising concerns that the disease will spread further. The country's health minister said the outbreak was "gradually reducing" while inaugurating an emergency dengue ward at a public hospital in Dhaka this week. For the first time on record, holidays for all public health workers have been cancelled to help respond to the crisis, said health ministry director-general Abul Kalam Azad. "It is getting very tough to cope up with the amount of work pressure," one medical officer told AFP.

At least 40 dead in Bangladesh's worst-ever dengue outbreak

A day before the festival of Eid al-Adha. Thousands of people left Dhaka to make their way to home town for the celebration of Eid. Watch this video to know more.

Bangladesh: Thousands rush home for Eid celebrations

A day before the festival of Eid al-Adha. Thousands of people are leaving Dhaka to make their way to home town. Watch this video to know more.

Bangladesh gears up for Eid al-Adha

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hungarian-doctors-separate-bangladeshi-twins-joined-at-head-240319">Conjoined Bangladeshi twins who were separated last week </a>are in a stable condition, the team of Hungarian and Bangladeshi doctors who carried out the marathon operation said Saturday.

Three-year-old Rabeya and Rukaya who were joined at the head suffered from a rare embryological disorder affecting an estimated one in every five to six million births.

The girls were recovering after the 30-hour operation to separate their skulls and brains at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka.

A surgical team of 35 Hungarians and more than 100 Bangladeshi doctors took part in the delicate procedure which they dubbed 'Operation Freedom'.

The girls were in stable condition after the final separation, the last phase in a lengthy series of surgeries since last year, said Gergely Pataki, founder of Action for Defenceless People Foundation (ADPF) which led the huge team of doctors.

'But keeping in mind that such rare complicated surgical procedures have its risks, complications might still occur,' he told reporters at a press conference in CMH.

The girls have undergone two neurosurgical operations and 44 plastic surgeries so far.

Before the surgery doctors had said there was only a 50 per cent chance of the twins surviving.

According to ADPF, only a handful of operations to separate twins joined at the head have been successful.

The Hungarian charity was set up in 2002 by neurosurgeon Andras Csokay and plastic surgeon Pataki to provide free surgery to poor people in Hungary and abroad.

In the first phase of surgery in Bangladesh last year, the shared blood vessels of the twins' brains were separated in a 14-hour operation.

ADPF neurosurgeons and plastic surgeons supported by anesthesiologists, radiologists and paediatricians also used innovative 3D animation software to map the two brains.

The twins' overwhelmed mother Taslima Khatun said she cried tears of joy when one of her daughters spoke to her on Saturday.

'One of my babies this morning told me, 'Mother take me on your lap.' This gave me huge peace of mind. I'm so very happy,' she said.

She was however concerned about whether the twins would make a complete recovery.

Anaesthesiologist Marcell Csapody said they were 'hopeful and optimistic' the twins would make a full recovery but had to be realistic as the youngsters were not yet completely out of danger.

'We have to be optimistic and (simultaneously) realistic,' he said.

ADPF has performed around 500 reconstructive surgery operations in Asia and Africa, including for Rohingya Muslim refugees in Bangladesh.

Conjoined Bangladeshi twins who were separated last week are in a stable condition, the team of Hungarian and Bangladeshi doctors who carried out the marathon operation said Saturday.

Conjoined Bangladeshi twins who were separated last week are in a stable condition, the team of Hungarian and Bangladeshi doctors who carried out the marathon operation said Saturday. Three-year-old Rabeya and Rukaya who were joined at the head suffered from a rare embryological disorder affecting an estimated one in every five to six million births. The girls were recovering after the 30-hour operation to separate their skulls and brains at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka. A surgical team of 35 Hungarians and more than 100 Bangladeshi doctors took part in the delicate procedure which they dubbed 'Operation Freedom'. The girls were in stable condition after the final separation, the last phase in a lengthy series of surgeries since last year, said Gergely Pataki, founder of Action for Defenceless People Foundation (ADPF) which led the huge team of doctors. 'But keeping in mind that such rare complicated surgical procedures have its risks, complications might still occur,' he told reporters at a press conference in CMH. The girls have undergone two neurosurgical operations and 44 plastic surgeries so far. Before the surgery doctors had said there was only a 50 per cent chance of the twins surviving. According to ADPF, only a handful of operations to separate twins joined at the head have been successful. The Hungarian charity was set up in 2002 by neurosurgeon Andras Csokay and plastic surgeon Pataki to provide free surgery to poor people in Hungary and abroad. In the first phase of surgery in Bangladesh last year, the shared blood vessels of the twins' brains were separated in a 14-hour operation. ADPF neurosurgeons and plastic surgeons supported by anesthesiologists, radiologists and paediatricians also used innovative 3D animation software to map the two brains. The twins' overwhelmed mother Taslima Khatun said she cried tears of joy when one of her daughters spoke to her on Saturday. 'One of my babies this morning told me, 'Mother take me on your lap.' This gave me huge peace of mind. I'm so very happy,' she said. She was however concerned about whether the twins would make a complete recovery. Anaesthesiologist Marcell Csapody said they were 'hopeful and optimistic' the twins would make a full recovery but had to be realistic as the youngsters were not yet completely out of danger. 'We have to be optimistic and (simultaneously) realistic,' he said. ADPF has performed around 500 reconstructive surgery operations in Asia and Africa, including for Rohingya Muslim refugees in Bangladesh.

Separated Bangladeshi twins stable: Doctors

Five-year-old Mohammad Ahnaf lies in a makeshift bed in the balcony of a major hospital in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka, fighting for his life as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-faces-worst-ever-dengue-fever-outbreak-239918">dengue fever</a> ravages his little body.

But his mother Shimul Akhter knows he is one of the lucky ones as Bangladesh grapples with its worst-ever outbreak of the viral fever -- 23 have died and many cannot get access to medical help at all.&nbsp;

Since January, almost 30,000 people have been hospitalised with the disease nationwide, and in the past week, some 2,000 patients a day have been admitted to hospitals.&nbsp;

"The situation is like an epidemic. But no-one is admitting it," one expert, who asked to remain anonymous, told AFP adding the real number of those with dengue was likely to be several times higher than official figures, which are based on limited data.

Panic is setting in. Such is the terror of those with symptoms that medical staff have been attacked as they try to stretch the meagre resources around and in some cases armed guards have been called in for protection.

Facilities are struggling to cope with the influx -- mattresses line every inch of spare floor extending beyond wards into corridors and balconies.

Dengue, which causes flu-like symptoms, can be deadly if it develops into a hemorrhagic fever. There is no vaccine or any specific medicine to treat dengue, according to the World Health Organisation.

'People panic'

Authorities are worried the situation is set to worsen.

With the upcoming Eid al-Fitr holidays, the fever could spread to remote villages as tens of millions of people head back to rural areas to celebrate the Muslim festival.

At Suhrawardi Medical College Hospital in central Dhaka where Ahnaf has been admitted, all the wards are full of dengue patients.

New arrivals are given whatever open space is available in the hospital.

"There is no bed available inside the wards. Too many patients are getting admitted and too many patients have been sent back," Akhter said.

"But Allah was kind, we got a bed in the balcony after waiting for hours," the 30-year-old added.

At the hospital's diagnosis centre, hundreds of people -- many clutching sick babies in their laps -- queued up to take dengue tests.

"Doctors decide which dengue patient should be admitted to hospital and who would take treatment at home.&nbsp;

"But people's attitude towards dengue has changed. They are panicked and everyone wants to get admitted in the hospital," explained Suhrawardi's director Uttam Kumar Barua, adding that exhausted medical teams had been working round the clock for weeks.&nbsp;

Outside, people crowd pharmacies to buy mosquito repellents, with some stores running out of supplies in recent days. Other residents say the ointments and sprays are now being sold at exorbitant prices.

'National disaster'

The head of Bangladesh's National Health Rights Society, renowned doctor Rashid-e-Mahbub, said the "national disaster" was in part caused by the lack of anti-mosquito measures before the annual monsoon season.

Leading virologist Saifullah Munshi added that a construction boom in Dhaka, unplanned urbanisation and climate change -- which has caused a spike in humidity and intermittent rains -- had created ideal breeding grounds for the Aedes mosquito, which spreads the disease.

The country's health department said some 23 people have died so far, although it has cautioned the official fatality figures are low due to a slow validation process.&nbsp;

But mass-circulation Bengali daily Prothom Alo said the death toll was nearly 100.

Meanwhile, Akhter fears for her family's health. The hospital doesn't have a dedicated paediatric intensive care unit to handle severe cases such as Mohammad.

Her other son, who is just three years old, is also starting to feel feverish.

She says: "We are very much scared. My elder boy is still not out of danger. Now he (younger son) felt warm this morning. I hope he has not caught dengue."

Five-year-old Mohammad Ahnaf lies in a makeshift bed in the balcony of a major hospital in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka, fighting for his life as dengue fever ravages his little body.

Five-year-old Mohammad Ahnaf lies in a makeshift bed in the balcony of a major hospital in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka, fighting for his life as dengue fever ravages his little body. But his mother Shimul Akhter knows he is one of the lucky ones as Bangladesh grapples with its worst-ever outbreak of the viral fever -- 23 have died and many cannot get access to medical help at all. Since January, almost 30,000 people have been hospitalised with the disease nationwide, and in the past week, some 2,000 patients a day have been admitted to hospitals. "The situation is like an epidemic. But no-one is admitting it," one expert, who asked to remain anonymous, told AFP adding the real number of those with dengue was likely to be several times higher than official figures, which are based on limited data. Panic is setting in. Such is the terror of those with symptoms that medical staff have been attacked as they try to stretch the meagre resources around and in some cases armed guards have been called in for protection. Facilities are struggling to cope with the influx -- mattresses line every inch of spare floor extending beyond wards into corridors and balconies. Dengue, which causes flu-like symptoms, can be deadly if it develops into a hemorrhagic fever. There is no vaccine or any specific medicine to treat dengue, according to the World Health Organisation. 'People panic' Authorities are worried the situation is set to worsen. With the upcoming Eid al-Fitr holidays, the fever could spread to remote villages as tens of millions of people head back to rural areas to celebrate the Muslim festival. At Suhrawardi Medical College Hospital in central Dhaka where Ahnaf has been admitted, all the wards are full of dengue patients. New arrivals are given whatever open space is available in the hospital. "There is no bed available inside the wards. Too many patients are getting admitted and too many patients have been sent back," Akhter said. "But Allah was kind, we got a bed in the balcony after waiting for hours," the 30-year-old added. At the hospital's diagnosis centre, hundreds of people -- many clutching sick babies in their laps -- queued up to take dengue tests. "Doctors decide which dengue patient should be admitted to hospital and who would take treatment at home. "But people's attitude towards dengue has changed. They are panicked and everyone wants to get admitted in the hospital," explained Suhrawardi's director Uttam Kumar Barua, adding that exhausted medical teams had been working round the clock for weeks. Outside, people crowd pharmacies to buy mosquito repellents, with some stores running out of supplies in recent days. Other residents say the ointments and sprays are now being sold at exorbitant prices. 'National disaster' The head of Bangladesh's National Health Rights Society, renowned doctor Rashid-e-Mahbub, said the "national disaster" was in part caused by the lack of anti-mosquito measures before the annual monsoon season. Leading virologist Saifullah Munshi added that a construction boom in Dhaka, unplanned urbanisation and climate change -- which has caused a spike in humidity and intermittent rains -- had created ideal breeding grounds for the Aedes mosquito, which spreads the disease. The country's health department said some 23 people have died so far, although it has cautioned the official fatality figures are low due to a slow validation process. But mass-circulation Bengali daily Prothom Alo said the death toll was nearly 100. Meanwhile, Akhter fears for her family's health. The hospital doesn't have a dedicated paediatric intensive care unit to handle severe cases such as Mohammad. Her other son, who is just three years old, is also starting to feel feverish. She says: "We are very much scared. My elder boy is still not out of danger. Now he (younger son) felt warm this morning. I hope he has not caught dengue."

'We are scared': Deadly dengue outbreak overwhelms Bangladesh

India and Bangladesh on Wednesday held the seventh round of Home Minister-level bilateral talks here and both sides discussed on issues of bilateral interests including strengthening cooperation in border management and security.

The talks took place between Home Minister Amit Shah and his Bangladeshi counterpart Asaduzzaman Khan.

"Met Mr Asaduzzaman Khan, Home Minister of Bangladesh. Had an extensive discussion on the bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh," Shah tweeted.

Giving out details of the meeting, Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Syed Muazzem Ali, told reporters,&nbsp;"Our Home Minister today met the newly appointed Home Minister of India Amit Shah and they exchanged views on a number of issues between the two countries."

"We discussed border management and security issues and there has been complete unanimity of views between the two sides. So, there is no dispute between us. We are trying to strengthen our cooperation to make border management more effective," he said.

Last month, the Home Ministry informed the Lok Sabha that a total amount of Rs 1138.48 crore has been spent in fencing the International Border between India and Bangladesh during the last five years.

The total length of the International Border is 4096.70 km. So far, fencing has been completed for 2803 km and the probable date of completion is December 2020.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

India and Bangladesh on Wednesday held the seventh round of Home Minister-level bilateral talks here and both sides discussed on issues of bilateral interests including strengthening cooperation in border management and security.

India and Bangladesh on Wednesday held the seventh round of Home Minister-level bilateral talks here and both sides discussed on issues of bilateral interests including strengthening cooperation in border management and security. The talks took place between Home Minister Amit Shah and his Bangladeshi counterpart Asaduzzaman Khan. "Met Mr Asaduzzaman Khan, Home Minister of Bangladesh. Had an extensive discussion on the bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh," Shah tweeted. Giving out details of the meeting, Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Syed Muazzem Ali, told reporters, "Our Home Minister today met the newly appointed Home Minister of India Amit Shah and they exchanged views on a number of issues between the two countries." "We discussed border management and security issues and there has been complete unanimity of views between the two sides. So, there is no dispute between us. We are trying to strengthen our cooperation to make border management more effective," he said. Last month, the Home Ministry informed the Lok Sabha that a total amount of Rs 1138.48 crore has been spent in fencing the International Border between India and Bangladesh during the last five years. The total length of the International Border is 4096.70 km. So far, fencing has been completed for 2803 km and the probable date of completion is December 2020.

India, Bangladesh discuss cooperation in border management

There's a massive health scare in several countries over Dengue outbreak. Bangladesh is struggling with its worst outbreak of Dengue fever. Watch full video to know more.

Bangladesh grappling with worst outbreak of dengue fever

Bangladesh will host Zimbabwe for a tri-nations Twenty20 tournament in September despite the African nation being suspended by the game's world body, an official of the Bangladesh Cricket Board said Thursday.

Bangladesh will host Zimbabwe for a tri-nations Twenty20 tournament in September despite the African nation being suspended by the game's world body, an official of the Bangladesh Cricket Board said Thursday. The International Cricket Council (ICC) suspended Zimbabwe in July over a failure to keep the sport free from government interference, putting the country's participation in multi-nation events in doubt. "We have been informed by the concerned officials that there is no bar on Zimbabwe playing in bilateral matches. They are only suspended from ICC events. This is why we included them in the series," BCB spokesman Jalal Yunus told AFP. Afghanistan is the third team in the tournament scheduled to be held from September 13 to 24. Bangladesh was originally scheduled to play a bilateral series against Afghanistan in September, but officials said Zimbabwe had been included in the series following a request from the strife-torn country. The tri-series will be preceded by Afghanistan's maiden Test match against Bangladesh in Chittagong from September 5 to 9.

Bangladesh to host Zimbabwe despite ICC ban

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-east-asia/southeast-asian-leaders-meet-expected-to-discuss-rohingyas-south-china-sea-229680">Myanmar's foreign ministry</a> on Tuesday denounced a United Nations report that urged world leaders to cut ties with military-linked companies and impose an arms embargo over the Rohingya crisis, saying it was intended to harm the country.

A panel of UN experts urged world leaders on Monday to impose targeted financial sanctions on companies linked to the military and said foreign firms doing business with them could be complicit in international crimes.&nbsp;

More than 730,000<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rohingya-crisis-japan-offers-to-play-mediator-between-bangladesh-and-myanmar-239627"> Rohingya, members of a persecuted Muslim minority</a>, fled Myanmar's Rakhine state into neighbouring Bangladesh amid a military-led crackdown in August 2017 that the UN and Western countries have said included mass killings and gang-rapes.

The investigators identified at least 59 foreign companies with commercial ties to the Myanmar military and 14 companies that have sold weapons and related equipment to security forces since 2016, including state-owned entities in Israel, India, North Korea, and China.

Any foreign business activity involving the army and its conglomerates 'posts a high risk of contributing to, or being linked to, violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law', the report said.

Myanmar's foreign ministry said on Tuesday the UN had exceeded its mandate in setting up the Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar, which produced the report.&nbsp;

The same panel in 2018 determined the crackdown on Rohingya was carried out with 'genocidal intent'.

'The Government of Myanmar categorically rejects the latest report and its conclusions,' the ministry said in a statement, calling the report an 'action intended to harm the interests of Myanmar and its people'.

'We adhere firmly to the position that cooperation should be the basis for the resolution of international issues, including that of human rights,' the ministry said.

'We do not believe that economic sanctions will resolve the challenges that need to be overcome,' it added.

Myanmar's foreign ministry on Tuesday denounced a United Nations report that urged world leaders to cut ties with military-linked companies and impose an arms embargo over the Rohingya crisis, saying it was intended to harm the country.

Myanmar's foreign ministry on Tuesday denounced a United Nations report that urged world leaders to cut ties with military-linked companies and impose an arms embargo over the Rohingya crisis, saying it was intended to harm the country. A panel of UN experts urged world leaders on Monday to impose targeted financial sanctions on companies linked to the military and said foreign firms doing business with them could be complicit in international crimes. More than 730,000 Rohingya, members of a persecuted Muslim minority, fled Myanmar's Rakhine state into neighbouring Bangladesh amid a military-led crackdown in August 2017 that the UN and Western countries have said included mass killings and gang-rapes. The investigators identified at least 59 foreign companies with commercial ties to the Myanmar military and 14 companies that have sold weapons and related equipment to security forces since 2016, including state-owned entities in Israel, India, North Korea, and China. Any foreign business activity involving the army and its conglomerates 'posts a high risk of contributing to, or being linked to, violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law', the report said. Myanmar's foreign ministry said on Tuesday the UN had exceeded its mandate in setting up the Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar, which produced the report. The same panel in 2018 determined the crackdown on Rohingya was carried out with 'genocidal intent'. 'The Government of Myanmar categorically rejects the latest report and its conclusions,' the ministry said in a statement, calling the report an 'action intended to harm the interests of Myanmar and its people'. 'We adhere firmly to the position that cooperation should be the basis for the resolution of international issues, including that of human rights,' the ministry said. 'We do not believe that economic sanctions will resolve the challenges that need to be overcome,' it added.

Myanmar says UN calls for sanctions, arms embargo a bid to harm country

United Nations investigators urged world leaders on Monday to impose targeted financial sanctions on companies linked to the military in Myanmar and said foreign firms doing business with them could be complicit in international crimes. 
&nbsp; 
A panel of human rights experts identified scores of companies tied to the army, which controls vast swathes of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/despite-myanmar-economy-rebound-investors-wary-of-rohingya-sanctions-risk-imf-128189/amp">Myanmar's economy</a> through holding firms and their subsidiaries, and is accused by the UN of executing a campaign with "genocidal intent" against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-delegation-holds-repatriation-talks-with-rohingya-in-bangladesh-238936">Rohingya minority</a>. 
&nbsp; 
More than 730,000 Rohingya, members of a persecuted Muslim minority, fled Myanmar's Rakhine state into neighbouring Bangladesh amid a military led crackdown in August 2017 that the UN and Western countries have said included mass killings and gang rapes. 
&nbsp; 
The UN investigatory panel condemned the violence in a report last year that called for the economic isolation of the military. Investigators said the purpose of the new report was to help countries cut financial ties with all army linked companies. 
&nbsp; 
"For the first time, this report comes out with a clear picture of the involvement of specific European and Asian companies, and makes a point that in fact there is this relationship and it's a violation of UN treaties and UN norms," panel chairman Marzuki Darusman said in an interview in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta on Sunday.

United Nations investigators urged world leaders on Monday to impose targeted financial sanctions on companies linked to the military in Myanmar and said foreign firms doing business with them could be complicit in international crimes.

United Nations investigators urged world leaders on Monday to impose targeted financial sanctions on companies linked to the military in Myanmar and said foreign firms doing business with them could be complicit in international crimes. A panel of human rights experts identified scores of companies tied to the army, which controls vast swathes of Myanmar's economy through holding firms and their subsidiaries, and is accused by the UN of executing a campaign with "genocidal intent" against the Rohingya minority. More than 730,000 Rohingya, members of a persecuted Muslim minority, fled Myanmar's Rakhine state into neighbouring Bangladesh amid a military led crackdown in August 2017 that the UN and Western countries have said included mass killings and gang rapes. The UN investigatory panel condemned the violence in a report last year that called for the economic isolation of the military. Investigators said the purpose of the new report was to help countries cut financial ties with all army linked companies. "For the first time, this report comes out with a clear picture of the involvement of specific European and Asian companies, and makes a point that in fact there is this relationship and it's a violation of UN treaties and UN norms," panel chairman Marzuki Darusman said in an interview in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta on Sunday.

United Nations urges sanctions on Myanmar army businesses, says foreign partners could be complicit

Only 200 out of 1,600 garment factories<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/awami-league-was-formed-to-bring-back-bangladeshs-independence-pm-sheikh-hasina-229724"> in Bangladesh</a> have met the requirements of an international accord on worker safety, and 400 factories have been barred from taking international orders, the industry body's president said on Sunday.

The Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh was set up by European fashion brands to improve factory safety in Bangladesh after a garment factory complex collapsed in 2013 killing more than 1,100 people.

The five-year pact was originally due to expire in May 2018 but the transition period has been extended. The pact's factory oversight team will then hand over to a government body set up for that purpose.

Rubana Huq, president of Bangladesh <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-protests-against-gas-price-rise-233801">Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association </a>(BGMEA), accused the accord's members of unilaterally imposing new requirements that were hurting the sector. She said she had met with their inspectors on Saturday to urge them to consult with manufacturers on their decisions.

"We had an agreement with Accord in May this year that it will not take any decision unilaterally but that has not been honoured," she said.

"Since the formation of Accord, we implemented a lot of remediation as per its requirements that involved huge investment. Now, in the name of final checks, the Accord is asking for several remediations."

Huq also said that of the 1,600 factories inspected by the team between 2014 and 2019, only 200 had been awarded completion certificates.

At least 400 factories which inspectors found were to slow to comply with the new safety rules were as a consequence no longer allowed to accept orders from the Western brands that are members of the accord, she said.

The Bangladesh garment industry is the second-largest export earning country after China and the sector represents about 16 per cent of the economy and employs over 4 million workers.

In June, garment manufacturers demanded higher export subsidies from the government, saying proposals in the latest national budget, unveiled last week, was not enough to compensate for higher production costs and low prices.

Only 200 out of 1,600 garment factories in Bangladesh have met the requirements of an international accord on worker safety, and 400 factories have been barred from taking international orders, the industry body's president said on Sunday.

Only 200 out of 1,600 garment factories in Bangladesh have met the requirements of an international accord on worker safety, and 400 factories have been barred from taking international orders, the industry body's president said on Sunday. The Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh was set up by European fashion brands to improve factory safety in Bangladesh after a garment factory complex collapsed in 2013 killing more than 1,100 people. The five-year pact was originally due to expire in May 2018 but the transition period has been extended. The pact's factory oversight team will then hand over to a government body set up for that purpose. Rubana Huq, president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), accused the accord's members of unilaterally imposing new requirements that were hurting the sector. She said she had met with their inspectors on Saturday to urge them to consult with manufacturers on their decisions. "We had an agreement with Accord in May this year that it will not take any decision unilaterally but that has not been honoured," she said. "Since the formation of Accord, we implemented a lot of remediation as per its requirements that involved huge investment. Now, in the name of final checks, the Accord is asking for several remediations." Huq also said that of the 1,600 factories inspected by the team between 2014 and 2019, only 200 had been awarded completion certificates. At least 400 factories which inspectors found were to slow to comply with the new safety rules were as a consequence no longer allowed to accept orders from the Western brands that are members of the accord, she said. The Bangladesh garment industry is the second-largest export earning country after China and the sector represents about 16 per cent of the economy and employs over 4 million workers. In June, garment manufacturers demanded higher export subsidies from the government, saying proposals in the latest national budget, unveiled last week, was not enough to compensate for higher production costs and low prices.

Only one in eight Bangladesh garment factories passed international safety inspection: Industry head

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to visit India in October this year during which she will discuss bilateral issues including water sharing in common rivers, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said here on Sunday.

It will be Hasina's first visit to India after assuming office for the third consecutive term.

The dates will be finalised during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's two-day visit to Dhaka on August 20-21, Dhaka Tribune has reported.

The agenda of Hasina's visit will include discussion on all bilateral, regional and international issues, with a greater focus on the issue of sharing water from 54 trans-boundary rivers between the neighbours.

Previously, the Teesta water agreement was slated to be inked between the two countries on September 6, 2011, during the visit of former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Dhaka. But the proposed deal was called off after repeated objections by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The water-sharing issue was once again discussed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Dhaka in June 2015. Prime Minister Modi had assured Shiekh Hasina that the waters of the river would be shared while looking forward to achieving a quick resolution to the issue.

India and Bangladesh share 54 common streams with the Teesta being a major one and the water sharing dispute between the two neighbours is not something new.

The Teesta River is a 309 km long river flowing through Sikkim.

It carves a way for itself through the verdant Himalayas in temperate and tropical river valleys and forms the border between Sikkim and West Bengal.

The flow of the river is crucial for Bangladesh from December to March for that they require 50 per cent of the river's water supply, while India claims a share of 55 per cent.

However, Momen denied media reports that India has sought land from Bangladesh to expand the Agartala airport in Tripura.

"I did not get any letter in this regard... I have no knowledge about it," he was quoted as saying.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to visit India in October this year during which she will discuss bilateral issues including water sharing in common rivers, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said here on Sunday.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to visit India in October this year during which she will discuss bilateral issues including water sharing in common rivers, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said here on Sunday. It will be Hasina's first visit to India after assuming office for the third consecutive term. The dates will be finalised during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's two-day visit to Dhaka on August 20-21, Dhaka Tribune has reported. The agenda of Hasina's visit will include discussion on all bilateral, regional and international issues, with a greater focus on the issue of sharing water from 54 trans-boundary rivers between the neighbours. Previously, the Teesta water agreement was slated to be inked between the two countries on September 6, 2011, during the visit of former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Dhaka. But the proposed deal was called off after repeated objections by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The water-sharing issue was once again discussed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Dhaka in June 2015. Prime Minister Modi had assured Shiekh Hasina that the waters of the river would be shared while looking forward to achieving a quick resolution to the issue. India and Bangladesh share 54 common streams with the Teesta being a major one and the water sharing dispute between the two neighbours is not something new. The Teesta River is a 309 km long river flowing through Sikkim. It carves a way for itself through the verdant Himalayas in temperate and tropical river valleys and forms the border between Sikkim and West Bengal. The flow of the river is crucial for Bangladesh from December to March for that they require 50 per cent of the river's water supply, while India claims a share of 55 per cent. However, Momen denied media reports that India has sought land from Bangladesh to expand the Agartala airport in Tripura. "I did not get any letter in this regard... I have no knowledge about it," he was quoted as saying.

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina to visit India in October to discuss bilateral issues

Australia pledged US $55 million to fight human trafficking in Southeast Asia on Thursday, vowing to tackle "modern slavery" ensnaring vulnerable populations across the region, from low-paid workers to underage brides and Rohingya refugees.

The funding is part of a 10-year scheme that includes training for police and judges to probe criminal networks, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-planning-additional-military-infrastructure-in-australia-foreign-minister-marise-payne-239432">Australia's foreign affairs minister Marise Payne</a> said at an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting in Bangkok.

"The initiative will also support joint international investigations to help rescue victims and ensure traffickers are charged," she said.&nbsp;

Rising demand for cheap labour, especially in the fishing and construction industries, has spurred trafficking networks across Southeast Asia where porous borders allow for the easy movement of people.&nbsp;

China's thirst for brides from the Mekong region has also fuelled an illicit trade of mostly young women, thanks to Beijing's decades-long one-child policy and preference for boys.&nbsp;

"There are many deep-rooted factors that enable transnational crime, from corruption through to the unequal status of children and other vulnerable groups," Payne added.

The persecution of Rohingya Muslims in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-ngo-worker-shot-in-restive-rakhine-state-239511">Myanmar's restive Rakhine state</a> is also prompting new and dangerous networks to form.

Some 740,000 of the stateless Rohingya fled Myanmar for Bangladesh, following a brutal military crackdown in 2017 but many are leaving the squalid refugee camps in an attempt to reach Malaysia and Indonesia for work, where they are vulnerable to exploitation.

The sophisticated and lucrative trafficking trade in Southeast Asia was exposed in 2015 when Thailand tried to shut down a million-dollar people-smuggling route for Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar.&nbsp;

The route came to light after the discovery of the migrants' mass graves in southern Thailand.&nbsp;

Payne highlighted the Rohingya's plight on Thursday.

"We are also concerned about the situation in Rakhine State. We're committed to working with Myanmar, with Bangladesh, with ASEAN, and other partners towards a long term and durable solution," she said.&nbsp;

John Quinley from Fortify Rights, which documents trafficking cases in the region, called on ASEAN countries to boost cooperation and punish perpetrators.&nbsp;

"Human trafficking is a transnational crime that needs a transnational solution," he said.

In 2016, there were an estimated 25 million people trapped in modern slavery across Asia-Pacific, according to the Global Slavery Index.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Australia pledged US $55 million to fight human trafficking in Southeast Asia on Thursday, vowing to tackle "modern slavery" ensnaring vulnerable populations across the region, from low-paid workers to underage brides and Rohingya refugees.

Australia pledged US $55 million to fight human trafficking in Southeast Asia on Thursday, vowing to tackle "modern slavery" ensnaring vulnerable populations across the region, from low-paid workers to underage brides and Rohingya refugees. The funding is part of a 10-year scheme that includes training for police and judges to probe criminal networks, Australia's foreign affairs minister Marise Payne said at an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting in Bangkok. "The initiative will also support joint international investigations to help rescue victims and ensure traffickers are charged," she said. Rising demand for cheap labour, especially in the fishing and construction industries, has spurred trafficking networks across Southeast Asia where porous borders allow for the easy movement of people. China's thirst for brides from the Mekong region has also fuelled an illicit trade of mostly young women, thanks to Beijing's decades-long one-child policy and preference for boys. "There are many deep-rooted factors that enable transnational crime, from corruption through to the unequal status of children and other vulnerable groups," Payne added. The persecution of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar's restive Rakhine state is also prompting new and dangerous networks to form. Some 740,000 of the stateless Rohingya fled Myanmar for Bangladesh, following a brutal military crackdown in 2017 but many are leaving the squalid refugee camps in an attempt to reach Malaysia and Indonesia for work, where they are vulnerable to exploitation. The sophisticated and lucrative trafficking trade in Southeast Asia was exposed in 2015 when Thailand tried to shut down a million-dollar people-smuggling route for Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar. The route came to light after the discovery of the migrants' mass graves in southern Thailand. Payne highlighted the Rohingya's plight on Thursday. "We are also concerned about the situation in Rakhine State. We're committed to working with Myanmar, with Bangladesh, with ASEAN, and other partners towards a long term and durable solution," she said. John Quinley from Fortify Rights, which documents trafficking cases in the region, called on ASEAN countries to boost cooperation and punish perpetrators. "Human trafficking is a transnational crime that needs a transnational solution," he said. In 2016, there were an estimated 25 million people trapped in modern slavery across Asia-Pacific, according to the Global Slavery Index.

Australia pledges US $55 million to fight human trafficking in Southeast Asia

bangladesh-0

Bangladesh, News on Bangladesh, stories on Bangladesh, articles on Bangladesh, Bangladesh stories at Wion, Bangladesh news, Bangladesh latest news

bangladesh 0