A delegation from the Myanmar government on Thursday landed in Bangladesh, embarking on a promising pilot scheme aimed at repatriating approximately 1,200 Rohingya refugees out of the estimated one million currently seeking shelter. Watch to know more in this guest interview with Thai journalist, Annie Zaman.

Bangladesh's Frustration: Plans to Repatriate 1,100 Rohingyas to Myanmar

A team from Myanmar government, on Thursday (May 25) visited Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh as part of a repatriation scheme that has been mooted. These refugees are stuck in&nbsp;ramshackle camps in southeastern Bangladesh since 2017 when they fled a crackdown by Myanmar military. The crackdown is now in focus of United Nations genocide investigation. A number of previous attempts to repatriate the Rohingya have failed. Now, Bangladesh and Myanmar are looking at returning around 1100 Rohingyas to the violence-hit state of Rakhine in Myanmar in coming weeks.&nbsp;

This month, twenty Rohingyas visited two resettlement camps in Rakhine. Myanmar's military junta is planning to resettle the Rohingyas here. The land, according to some experts, has belonged to Rohingya for generations before it was confiscated.&nbsp;

Watch | Myanmar envoy visits Rohingya camps, paving way for repatriation

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The team of 14 Myanmar officials, all in civilian clothes, arrived by boat in the Bangladeshi border town of Teknaf on Thursday morning, went to the camps and talked to around 200 people.

<h2>Not everyone's happy</h2>

But Mohammad Selim, one of the Rohingya who met the Myanmar delegation, told AFP by phone that their demands were being ignored.

"We said that we have to return to our own ancestral house... We told them they should give us citizenship. But they said they will give us NVC (national verification card), which is not citizenship," Selim said.

"They repeatedly said so. There is no way we can trust them."

"We have no permanent representative in this repatriation process," Khin Maung, a prominent Rohingya leader, told AFP before the meeting.

"This repatriation process is just an eyewash. If they didn't ensure our dignity, there is no point returning to IDPs (internally displaced people)," he said.

AFP quoted another Rohingya Muslim individual who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The person said that they did not want to go &nbsp;back to Myanmar "as non-citizens and stay in IDP camps"

"Our place should be given back to us, our right to live like other ethnic groups should be legally guaranteed. Otherwise, we cannot believe the mass murderers," they said.

Mainul Kabir, head of the Rohingya wing in Bangladesh's foreign ministry, told reporters Thursday that repatriation was "the only way to solve the Rohingya issue".

He said the Myanmar delegation "assured that the confusions that are being created will be resolved gradually".

Human Rights Watch criticised the repatriation plan last week. It said that it posed "grave risks" to the Rohingya.

"Bangladesh is frustrated with its burden as host, but sending refugees back to the control of a ruthless Myanmar junta will just be setting the stage for the next devastating exodus," the group said in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A team from Myanmar government, on Thursday (May 25) visited Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh as part of a repatriation scheme that has been mooted. These refugees are stuck in ramshackle camps in southeastern Bangladesh since 2017 when they fled a crackdown by Myanmar military.

A team from Myanmar government, on Thursday (May 25) visited Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh as part of a repatriation scheme that has been mooted. These refugees are stuck in ramshackle camps in southeastern Bangladesh since 2017 when they fled a crackdown by Myanmar military. The crackdown is now in focus of United Nations genocide investigation. A number of previous attempts to repatriate the Rohingya have failed. Now, Bangladesh and Myanmar are looking at returning around 1100 Rohingyas to the violence-hit state of Rakhine in Myanmar in coming weeks. This month, twenty Rohingyas visited two resettlement camps in Rakhine. Myanmar's military junta is planning to resettle the Rohingyas here. The land, according to some experts, has belonged to Rohingya for generations before it was confiscated. Watch | Myanmar envoy visits Rohingya camps, paving way for repatriation × The team of 14 Myanmar officials, all in civilian clothes, arrived by boat in the Bangladeshi border town of Teknaf on Thursday morning, went to the camps and talked to around 200 people. Not everyone's happy But Mohammad Selim, one of the Rohingya who met the Myanmar delegation, told AFP by phone that their demands were being ignored. "We said that we have to return to our own ancestral house... We told them they should give us citizenship. But they said they will give us NVC (national verification card), which is not citizenship," Selim said. "They repeatedly said so. There is no way we can trust them." "We have no permanent representative in this repatriation process," Khin Maung, a prominent Rohingya leader, told AFP before the meeting. "This repatriation process is just an eyewash. If they didn't ensure our dignity, there is no point returning to IDPs (internally displaced people)," he said. AFP quoted another Rohingya Muslim individual who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The person said that they did not want to go back to Myanmar "as non-citizens and stay in IDP camps" "Our place should be given back to us, our right to live like other ethnic groups should be legally guaranteed. Otherwise, we cannot believe the mass murderers," they said. Mainul Kabir, head of the Rohingya wing in Bangladesh's foreign ministry, told reporters Thursday that repatriation was "the only way to solve the Rohingya issue". He said the Myanmar delegation "assured that the confusions that are being created will be resolved gradually". Human Rights Watch criticised the repatriation plan last week. It said that it posed "grave risks" to the Rohingya. "Bangladesh is frustrated with its burden as host, but sending refugees back to the control of a ruthless Myanmar junta will just be setting the stage for the next devastating exodus," the group said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Myanmar officials visit Rohingya camps in Bangladesh over repatriation plan

A delegation from the Myanmar government on Thursday landed in Bangladesh, embarking on a promising pilot scheme aimed at repatriating approximately 1,200 Rohingya refugees out of the estimated one million currently seeking shelter.

Myanmar envoy visits Rohingya camps, paving way for repatriation

In Rakhine, Myanmar, hundreds of people are feared dead as Cyclone Mocha hit the nation. On Tuesday, residents and aid groups reported that numerous individuals, including Rohingya Muslims, are believed to have perished after the cyclone struck Myanmar over the weekend.&nbsp;

As per Reuters cyclone Mocha&nbsp;inflicted severe damage on Myanmar's impoverished Rakhine State, with powerful winds reaching speeds of up to 210 kph (130 mph) tearing off roofs and a storm surge that flooded the state capital, Sittwe.

Residents in Rakhine State have reported that at least 100 people have lost their lives, and many more are missing and presumed dead. As per them, unfortunately, aid is yet to reach the affected areas. Additionally, Bangladesh has been facing severe power shortages — its worst power cuts in over seven months — which has exacerbated the challenges in responding to the crisis.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cyclone-mocha-at-least-six-killed-hundreds-injured-after-powerful-storm-batters-myanmar-592635">Cyclone Mocha: At least six killed, hundreds injured after powerful storm batters Myanmar</a>

The affected region, as per Reuters, is densely populated by Rohingya Muslims, a persecuted minority that successive governments in Myanmar have "refused to recognise".&nbsp;

However, speaking to Reuters, a resident who chose to remain anonymous, said that more than 100 Rohingya Muslims have been killed. He reportedly based this number on his personal&nbsp;assessment&nbsp;of multiple villages he visited after the cyclone.&nbsp;

News portal Myanmar Now also suggested that hundreds were feared dead. Aid groups have also acknowledged the occurrence of a "significant number of deaths".&nbsp;

In contrast to these numbers, Myanmar's state media reported that only three people had been killed.

The reported death toll has not been verified, and there is still uncertainty surrounding the exact number of casualties.&nbsp;

A spokesperson for the pro-democracy shadow National Unity Government told Reuters that they had received confirmation of approximately 400 Rohingya deaths, primarily in the Sittwe area.

"We received confirmation of about 400 Rohingya deaths, mainly around Sittwe area".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-cyclone-mocha-causes-devastation-in-myanmar-bangladesh-592475">In Pics | Cyclone Mocha causes devastation in Myanmar, Bangladesh</a>

Ramanathan Balakrishnan, of the UN's Office of Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, said that "It's really a nightmare scenario for the cyclone to hit areas with such deep pre-existing needs." He estimates that approximately 5.4 million people were in the path of the cyclone, a majority of whom were considered vulnerable. Early priorities as r Balakrishnan include shelter, water, sanitation, and relief supplies.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In Rakhine, Myanmar, hundreds of people are feared dead as Cyclone Mocha hit the nation. On Tuesday, residents and aid groups reported that numerous individuals, including Rohingya Muslims, are believed to have perished after the cyclone struck Myanmar over the weekend.

In Rakhine, Myanmar, hundreds of people are feared dead as Cyclone Mocha hit the nation. On Tuesday, residents and aid groups reported that numerous individuals, including Rohingya Muslims, are believed to have perished after the cyclone struck Myanmar over the weekend. As per Reuters cyclone Mocha inflicted severe damage on Myanmar's impoverished Rakhine State, with powerful winds reaching speeds of up to 210 kph (130 mph) tearing off roofs and a storm surge that flooded the state capital, Sittwe. Residents in Rakhine State have reported that at least 100 people have lost their lives, and many more are missing and presumed dead. As per them, unfortunately, aid is yet to reach the affected areas. Additionally, Bangladesh has been facing severe power shortages — its worst power cuts in over seven months — which has exacerbated the challenges in responding to the crisis. Also read | Cyclone Mocha: At least six killed, hundreds injured after powerful storm batters Myanmar The affected region, as per Reuters, is densely populated by Rohingya Muslims, a persecuted minority that successive governments in Myanmar have "refused to recognise". However, speaking to Reuters, a resident who chose to remain anonymous, said that more than 100 Rohingya Muslims have been killed. He reportedly based this number on his personal assessment of multiple villages he visited after the cyclone. News portal Myanmar Now also suggested that hundreds were feared dead. Aid groups have also acknowledged the occurrence of a "significant number of deaths". In contrast to these numbers, Myanmar's state media reported that only three people had been killed. The reported death toll has not been verified, and there is still uncertainty surrounding the exact number of casualties. A spokesperson for the pro-democracy shadow National Unity Government told Reuters that they had received confirmation of approximately 400 Rohingya deaths, primarily in the Sittwe area. "We received confirmation of about 400 Rohingya deaths, mainly around Sittwe area". Also read | In Pics | Cyclone Mocha causes devastation in Myanmar, Bangladesh Ramanathan Balakrishnan, of the UN's Office of Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, said that "It's really a nightmare scenario for the cyclone to hit areas with such deep pre-existing needs." He estimates that approximately 5.4 million people were in the path of the cyclone, a majority of whom were considered vulnerable. Early priorities as r Balakrishnan include shelter, water, sanitation, and relief supplies. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

In Myanmar's Rakhine, locals say hundreds have died due to Cyclone Mocha; official figures claim only 3 dead

Cyclone Mocha made landfall at the Bangladesh-Myanmar border on Sunday, according to Bangladesh's weather office. It is destroying trees and pouring torrential rain to the region threatening hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees.

Mocha struck between Cox's Bazar, where almost a million Rohingya refugees dwell in camps mostly made up of flimsy shelters, and Myanmar's Sittwe. Cyclone Mocha has gusts of up to 195 kilometres (120 miles) per hour.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thai-voting-begins-will-rule-of-conservative-military-backed-pm-to-maintain-power-592156">Thailand voting begins, will conservative military-backed PM maintain power?</a>

Cyclone speeds are as high as 140 knots, or 259 kph, according to the US Joint Typhoon Warning Centre earlier. This is the equivalent of a category 5 hurricane, according to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

"Our camp houses, which are constructed with bamboo and tarpaulins, can be blown away in soft, light winds," the 28-year-old Mohammad Sayed told AFP from Nayapara refugee camp in Bangladesh.

"The schools, which are designated as cyclone shelters... are not strong shelters that can withstand the winds of a cyclone. We are scared."

Numerous people packed into trucks, automobiles, and tuk-tuks and left Sittwe on Saturday in search of higher ground inland after meteorologists issued a 3.5 m (11 ft) storm surge warning. "We are not OK because we didn't bring food and other things to cook," said 57-year-old Maung Win from Kyauktaw town.

"We can only wait to get food from people's donations."

Also Read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistani-held-in-biggest-drug-bust-in-india-crystal-meth-worth-145-bn-seized-592189">In India's biggest drug bust, crystal meth worth $1.45bn seized from Kerala coast, Pakistani held</a>

According to divisional commissioner Aminur Rahman, the Bangladeshi government relocated approximately 100,000 people from Chittagong and 190,000 from Cox's Bazar to safety on Saturday night. Residents in Yangon, the centre of commerce for Myanmar, reported on Sunday that they too received rain and fast winds.&nbsp;

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The landfall process of Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm "Mocha" has commenced over north-west Myanmar coast.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneMocha?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneMocha</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeatherForecast?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeatherForecast</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IMD?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IMD</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DDNewslive?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DDNewslive</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ndmaindia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ndmaindia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/airnewsalerts?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@airnewsalerts</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/moesgoi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@moesgoi</a> <a href="https://t.co/uLvAsRCQwF">pic.twitter.com/uLvAsRCQwF</a>
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Authorities in Myanmar and Bangladesh are getting ready for a emergency response and are on high alert.&nbsp;The cyclone is expected to deliver torrential rain, which might cause landslips.

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According to Azizur Rahman, the head&nbsp;of Bangladesh's meteorological department, Cyclone Mocha is the storm that has struck Bangladesh with the greatest intensity since Cyclone Sidr. In November 2007, Sidr made landfall on Bangladesh's southern coast, killing over 3,000 people and caused billions of dollars' worth of damage.

Myanmar Airways International said that they have suspended all flights bound for Rakhine state until Monday.

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Cyclone Mocha made landfall at the Bangladesh-Myanmar border on Sunday, according to Bangladesh's weather office. It is destroying trees and pouring torrential rain to the region threatening hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees.

Cyclone Mocha made landfall at the Bangladesh-Myanmar border on Sunday, according to Bangladesh's weather office. It is destroying trees and pouring torrential rain to the region threatening hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees. Mocha struck between Cox's Bazar, where almost a million Rohingya refugees dwell in camps mostly made up of flimsy shelters, and Myanmar's Sittwe. Cyclone Mocha has gusts of up to 195 kilometres (120 miles) per hour. Also Read | Thailand voting begins, will conservative military-backed PM maintain power? Cyclone speeds are as high as 140 knots, or 259 kph, according to the US Joint Typhoon Warning Centre earlier. This is the equivalent of a category 5 hurricane, according to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. "Our camp houses, which are constructed with bamboo and tarpaulins, can be blown away in soft, light winds," the 28-year-old Mohammad Sayed told AFP from Nayapara refugee camp in Bangladesh. "The schools, which are designated as cyclone shelters... are not strong shelters that can withstand the winds of a cyclone. We are scared." Numerous people packed into trucks, automobiles, and tuk-tuks and left Sittwe on Saturday in search of higher ground inland after meteorologists issued a 3.5 m (11 ft) storm surge warning. "We are not OK because we didn't bring food and other things to cook," said 57-year-old Maung Win from Kyauktaw town. "We can only wait to get food from people's donations." Also Read| In India's biggest drug bust, crystal meth worth $1.45bn seized from Kerala coast, Pakistani held According to divisional commissioner Aminur Rahman, the Bangladeshi government relocated approximately 100,000 people from Chittagong and 190,000 from Cox's Bazar to safety on Saturday night. Residents in Yangon, the centre of commerce for Myanmar, reported on Sunday that they too received rain and fast winds. The landfall process of Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm "Mocha" has commenced over north-west Myanmar coast.#CycloneMocha #India #WeatherForecast #IMD @DDNewslive @ndmaindia @airnewsalerts @moesgoi pic.twitter.com/uLvAsRCQwF — India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) May 14, 2023 × Authorities in Myanmar and Bangladesh are getting ready for a emergency response and are on high alert. The cyclone is expected to deliver torrential rain, which might cause landslips. Watch | Mother's Day Special: Sarah Todd shares easy cooking tips for busy parents × According to Azizur Rahman, the head of Bangladesh's meteorological department, Cyclone Mocha is the storm that has struck Bangladesh with the greatest intensity since Cyclone Sidr. In November 2007, Sidr made landfall on Bangladesh's southern coast, killing over 3,000 people and caused billions of dollars' worth of damage. Myanmar Airways International said that they have suspended all flights bound for Rakhine state until Monday. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

'Very severe' cyclone Mocha hits Myanmar-Bangladesh border, threatens Rohingya refugees in low-lying regions

A 22-member delegation from Myanmar arrived in Bangladesh on Wednesday to discuss a project to repatriate Rohingya Muslims, according to official sources.

Myanmar delegation to meet Rohingya's

Hundreds of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh's Cox's Bazaar area have been rendered homeless after a massive blaze nearly wiped out one of their cramped living camps.

Massive fire at Rohingya camp in Cox's Bazar

According to the officials, at least 185 men, women and children have landed on Ujong Pie Beach in Indonesia. This is the second group of Rohingya refugees to arrive in Indonesia. Watch this video to know more.

At least 185 Rohingya refugees arrive in Indonesia

Weeks after their boat&nbsp;stranded off the Indian coast, many Rohingya are feared dead at sea; at least 160 people are still aboard&nbsp;and on the brink of starvation,&nbsp;according to family members and the UN agency for refugees.&nbsp;Mohammed Rezuwan Khan, whose sister and 5-year-old niece are on the vessel, told CNN on Wednesday that two children and a woman had died, and those who were still alive had "no water, food, or medicine."

“We are extremely concerned and want them to be rescued. It’s growing increasingly difficult for them to survive,” said Khan, adding that he last spoke to the boat’s captain on Sunday.

The boat, which is currently in the Bay of Bengal close to the Indian region of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has apparently been lost since its engine failed in late November. It is believed to have been travelling to Malaysia from Bangladesh, where a million or so Rohingya Muslims who are a stateless minority and fled violence in their native Myanmar now reside in refugee camps.

UNHCR spokesperson for Asia Babar Baloch pleaded with both Sri Lanka and India to assist in the rescue of people on board.

“Quick action is needed to save lives and avoid further deaths,” Baloch said. “We repeat our warning that inaction from states to save lives is resulting in more human misery and tragedies with each passing day.”

According to a statement from ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights, a group of Southeast Asian politicians has also pleaded with nearby nations to "urgently rescue" the boat.

A boat carrying 104 Rohingya immigrants was saved by the Sri Lankan Navy a few days prior to the appeal.

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Weeks after their boat stranded off the Indian coast, many Rohingya are feared dead at sea; at least 160 people are still aboard and on the brink of starvation, according to family members and the UN agency for refugees.

Weeks after their boat stranded off the Indian coast, many Rohingya are feared dead at sea; at least 160 people are still aboard and on the brink of starvation, according to family members and the UN agency for refugees. Mohammed Rezuwan Khan, whose sister and 5-year-old niece are on the vessel, told CNN on Wednesday that two children and a woman had died, and those who were still alive had "no water, food, or medicine." “We are extremely concerned and want them to be rescued. It’s growing increasingly difficult for them to survive,” said Khan, adding that he last spoke to the boat’s captain on Sunday. The boat, which is currently in the Bay of Bengal close to the Indian region of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has apparently been lost since its engine failed in late November. It is believed to have been travelling to Malaysia from Bangladesh, where a million or so Rohingya Muslims who are a stateless minority and fled violence in their native Myanmar now reside in refugee camps. UNHCR spokesperson for Asia Babar Baloch pleaded with both Sri Lanka and India to assist in the rescue of people on board. “Quick action is needed to save lives and avoid further deaths,” Baloch said. “We repeat our warning that inaction from states to save lives is resulting in more human misery and tragedies with each passing day.” According to a statement from ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights, a group of Southeast Asian politicians has also pleaded with nearby nations to "urgently rescue" the boat. A boat carrying 104 Rohingya immigrants was saved by the Sri Lankan Navy a few days prior to the appeal. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Rohingya refugee boat stranded in Indian waters: Children feared dead due to starvation

A Japanese documentary filmmaker has been jailed by a military junta-controlled in Myanmar for 10 years for allegedly breaking an immigration law and encouraging dissent against the ruling military, the Japan Times newspaper reported.

The 26-year-old filmmaker, Toru Kubota, was arrested in Myanmar's main city of Yangon in July last year during a protest.

On Wednesday, Kubota was handed three years for sedition, and seven years for electronic communications-related violations, the newspaper reported citing a source.

The Japanese citizen is currently detained in Yangon’s notorious Insein Prison, where political prisoners are kept. Proceedings are still underway over his alleged violation of immigration law.

In the court that was set up inside the jail, it was argued that Kubota entered the Southeast Asian country from neighbouring Thailand using a tourist visa.

The military also claimed that he entered the country for the sole purpose of participating in the protest and communicating with protesters while filming.

He has been further accused of reporting on the Rohingya Muslim minority group and disseminating false information.

The Rohingya have been among the most persecuted group under Myanmar's military regime and in the world, according to the UN. The ill-treatment meted out by the regime has forced hundreds and thousands of them to flee to neighbouring Bangladesh in recent years.

Meanwhile, the Japanese government has urged the Myanmar authorities to facilitate his release, but there has been confirmation from the military officials so far, the newspaper reported.

The next hearing is scheduled to take place next Wednesday when the court will hear about his immigration case.

This is the second time a Japanese citizen has been arrested and convicted in Myanmar.

Last April, a Japanese freelance journalist, Yuki Kitazumi, was arrested and convicted for spreading false news reports. But he was released a month after and returned to Japan.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A Japanese documentary filmmaker has been jailed by a military junta-controlled in Myanmar for 10 years for allegedly breaking an immigration law and encouraging dissent against the ruling military, the Japan Times newspaper reported.

A Japanese documentary filmmaker has been jailed by a military junta-controlled in Myanmar for 10 years for allegedly breaking an immigration law and encouraging dissent against the ruling military, the Japan Times newspaper reported. The 26-year-old filmmaker, Toru Kubota, was arrested in Myanmar's main city of Yangon in July last year during a protest. On Wednesday, Kubota was handed three years for sedition, and seven years for electronic communications-related violations, the newspaper reported citing a source. The Japanese citizen is currently detained in Yangon’s notorious Insein Prison, where political prisoners are kept. Proceedings are still underway over his alleged violation of immigration law. In the court that was set up inside the jail, it was argued that Kubota entered the Southeast Asian country from neighbouring Thailand using a tourist visa. The military also claimed that he entered the country for the sole purpose of participating in the protest and communicating with protesters while filming. He has been further accused of reporting on the Rohingya Muslim minority group and disseminating false information. The Rohingya have been among the most persecuted group under Myanmar's military regime and in the world, according to the UN. The ill-treatment meted out by the regime has forced hundreds and thousands of them to flee to neighbouring Bangladesh in recent years. Meanwhile, the Japanese government has urged the Myanmar authorities to facilitate his release, but there has been confirmation from the military officials so far, the newspaper reported. The next hearing is scheduled to take place next Wednesday when the court will hear about his immigration case. This is the second time a Japanese citizen has been arrested and convicted in Myanmar. Last April, a Japanese freelance journalist, Yuki Kitazumi, was arrested and convicted for spreading false news reports. But he was released a month after and returned to Japan. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Myanmar court jails Japanese filmmaker for 10 years over sedition charge

A 15-year-old Rohingya boy was killed and at least six people were injured when mortar shells fired from Myanmar exploded in Bangladesh, the latest in a series of violent incidents, officials and a Rohingya leader said.

More than a million Rohingya are living in camps in southern Bangladesh that comprise the world's largest refugee settlement, the vast majority having fled from Myanmar during a military crackdown in 2017.

The Rohingya have been caught in the crossfire between Myanmar's military and the Arakan Army, an armed group fighting for self-determination for ethnic minorities in the Rakhine state.

The teenager was killed late on Friday, said Dil Mohammed, a Rohingya leader in no man's land, a strip of land along the Myanmar-Bangladesh border where an estimated 4,000 Rohingya live. "We are living here in constant fear. Anytime any catastrophe can happen," Mohammed told Reuters by phone.&nbsp;

Strong protests would be lodged with Myanmar over the incident, a Bangladesh government official and border guard official said.

Bangladesh this month issued a statement expressing "deep concern over falling mortar shells inside Bangladesh territory, indiscriminate aerial firing from Myanmar in the bordering areas, and air space violation from Myanmar".

The Myanmar envoy in Dhaka has been summoned three times in recent weeks so that those concerns could be conveyed.

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A 15-year-old Rohingya boy was killed and at least six people were injured when mortar shells fired from Myanmar exploded in Bangladesh, the latest in a series of violent incidents, officials and a Rohingya leader said.

A 15-year-old Rohingya boy was killed and at least six people were injured when mortar shells fired from Myanmar exploded in Bangladesh, the latest in a series of violent incidents, officials and a Rohingya leader said. More than a million Rohingya are living in camps in southern Bangladesh that comprise the world's largest refugee settlement, the vast majority having fled from Myanmar during a military crackdown in 2017. The Rohingya have been caught in the crossfire between Myanmar's military and the Arakan Army, an armed group fighting for self-determination for ethnic minorities in the Rakhine state. The teenager was killed late on Friday, said Dil Mohammed, a Rohingya leader in no man's land, a strip of land along the Myanmar-Bangladesh border where an estimated 4,000 Rohingya live. "We are living here in constant fear. Anytime any catastrophe can happen," Mohammed told Reuters by phone. Strong protests would be lodged with Myanmar over the incident, a Bangladesh government official and border guard official said. Bangladesh this month issued a statement expressing "deep concern over falling mortar shells inside Bangladesh territory, indiscriminate aerial firing from Myanmar in the bordering areas, and air space violation from Myanmar". The Myanmar envoy in Dhaka has been summoned three times in recent weeks so that those concerns could be conveyed. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Teen Rohingya killed, six injured in Bangladesh from mortar shells fired by Myanmar

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh to kick start four-day visit to India. Recently, PM Hasina raised concern over Rohingya settlement and said that Rohingya refugees are a big burden on Bangladesh.

'Rohingya community a burden on Bangladesh,' says PM Sheikh Hasina

From United Nations Special Envoy Noeleen Heyzer visiting a Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh to Anti-terror drill in South Korea, here are some impactful images from around the world on 23 August 2022.

World in Pictures: UN special envoy visits Rohingya refugee camp; Anti-terror drill in South Korea

India's home ministry denied reports that Rohingya refugees living in the capital would be shifted to government housing. How many Rohingya are living in India? What is India's official policy on refugees? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: India backtracks on housing for Rohingya refugees

Hours after a Union Minister Hardeep Puri said that the Rohingya will be given flats in the Indian capital. India's Home Ministry has denied any such claims adding that the refugees will eventually be deported.

WION Dispatch: No government flats for Rohingya in New Delhi

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is probing into Rohingya persecutions in Myanmar. However, Myanmar said the Gambia has no standing in the case.

ICJ to probe into Rohingya persecutions: Myanmar objected to suit filed by the Gambia

Reports claim soldiers in Myanmar have admitted to killing and torturing civilians.

A report by the BBC said it had interviewed soldiers who had defected to a local civilian militia group. The report&nbsp;said soldiers were ordered to fire at&nbsp;a village in central Myanmar as they shot civilians. There were also reports of sexual abuse against women in Yae Myet village.

Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi had appeared before the world court last year after Gambia accused the Myanmar military leadership of genocide against Rohingyas.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rohingya-in-bangladesh-cheer-us-decision-on-myanmar-genocide-465074">Also Read:&nbsp;Rohingya in Bangladesh cheer US decision on Myanmar 'genocide'</a>

The report comes as the world court is set to rule on Friday over the Myanmar junta's objection to the genocide case linked to the treatment of Rohingyas.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Rohingya refugees triggering socio-economic crisis in Bangladesh?

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Thousands of Rohingyas fled to neighbouring Bangladesh in 2017 triggering a refugee crisis.&nbsp;Reports say despite several attempts, Rohingya refugees have refused to leave the camps in Bangladesh as the government began transporting refugees to an island in the Bay of Bengal.

Last week, rebels had claimed they captured junta troops as the fragile peace with the Arakan Army remained on tenterhooks. There has been largescale violence reported in Rakhine state which is home to Rohingyas as Rights groups have repeatedly accused the government soldiers of committing crimes.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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Reports claim soldiers in Myanmar have admitted to killing and torturing civilians. A report by the BBC said it had interviewed soldiers who had defected to a local civilian militia group.

Reports claim soldiers in Myanmar have admitted to killing and torturing civilians. A report by the BBC said it had interviewed soldiers who had defected to a local civilian militia group. The report said soldiers were ordered to fire at a village in central Myanmar as they shot civilians. There were also reports of sexual abuse against women in Yae Myet village. Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi had appeared before the world court last year after Gambia accused the Myanmar military leadership of genocide against Rohingyas. Also Read: Rohingya in Bangladesh cheer US decision on Myanmar 'genocide' The report comes as the world court is set to rule on Friday over the Myanmar junta's objection to the genocide case linked to the treatment of Rohingyas. Watch: Rohingya refugees triggering socio-economic crisis in Bangladesh? Thousands of Rohingyas fled to neighbouring Bangladesh in 2017 triggering a refugee crisis. Reports say despite several attempts, Rohingya refugees have refused to leave the camps in Bangladesh as the government began transporting refugees to an island in the Bay of Bengal. Last week, rebels had claimed they captured junta troops as the fragile peace with the Arakan Army remained on tenterhooks. There has been largescale violence reported in Rakhine state which is home to Rohingyas as Rights groups have repeatedly accused the government soldiers of committing crimes. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Myanmar soldiers tortured civilians: Report

In an exclusive conversation with WION, visiting Bangladesh foreign minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said that he will discuss the Rohingya issue with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Sunday.

The Bangladeshi FM is in Delhi for the seventh meeting of the Joint Consultative Commission (JCC). Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, the FM Momen said, "if Bangladesh, India and Myanmar work together we can resolve it. We can have sustainable solution to it." Sunday's Joint Consultative Commission (JCC) meet will be the such first physical meet of the mechanism since the onset of Covid-19 pandemic, with the previous edition taking place virtually in 2020.

Asked on import of Russian crude oil, he said, " we got some offer to buy but have not because of sanctions, sanctions from Russian oil. We have not bought it". He explained, "I understand India has bought it, they are good friends, we may discuss it. Friends talk about issues but as such it in not a big issue." The FM was in Assam last month for Natural Allies in Development and Interdependence (NADI) meet. He also responded on other issues like China's debt trap diplomacy, Dhaka's support to Sri Lanka and the mega infrastructure project--Padma Bridge to be inaugurated later this month.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-schools-govt-offices-to-shut-as-transport-grinds-to-halt-489321" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka schools, govt offices to shut as transport grinds to halt</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">WION: How do u see India, Bangladesh relationship? It's being termed as shonali adyay or the Golden age of ties, we saw all though last year, high level visits from India to your country, The PM, The President 
Dr AK Abdul Momen: We have a wonderful relationship, and PM Modi has termed it Sonali Adhyay, Golden chapter, and really it is so, it's a Golden chapter because we have resolved most of our critical issues through dialogue and discussion without a single bullet, we have resolved our border demarcation problem, through dialogue and discussion, we have resolved our maritime boundary situation, we have also resolved the water sharing, some critical issues we resolved via dialogue and discussion. Still, we have some outstanding issues , good thing is we can talk about them very freely and without any reservation, this is a unique relationship. This should be studied by students of Diplomacy, how we have developed, during the last year we observed 50th anniversary of our independence, and also 100th birth anniversary of father of our nation and luckily last year UN declared Bangladesh has met graduation from LDC to developing country. Last year we also observed 50 years Diplomatic relationship with India. You cannot believe, PM of India, President of India, we were very lucky they visited Bangladesh and had wonderful time. Not only that, we observed you the Friendship day or Moitri Diwas in 18 missions across the world, India and Bangladesh together. It's because in 1971, it was India that supported us, helped us, trained us, for our Independence movement. We have rock solid relationship, historical, we have gone through same challenges, by and large same history. It's people to people relationship. When you look, I cannot differentiate much if your Bangladeshi or Indian. That is the relationship we have, and for next 50 years, we look for better relationship. My feeling is next 50 years, we have more solid relationship. The way it was in early 90s, or in past, mobility was free. People of the sub-continent used to do many things together. So, I thought I future we will have borderless mobility between India and Bangladesh, we should move around without any passport in the whole region. I am looking forward to that.</div>

WION: High level visits, when can we expected Bangladesh PM to visit India. Recently she sent Mangoes to Indian President, PM 
Dr AK Abdul Momen: We have a lovely mango, Bangladesh produces plenty of Mangoes and one special kind of Mango PM of India likes it, now we have sent it, we did it last year. We sent it to PM and other leaders of India, to develop better taste Bangladesh.

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WION: Mango diplomacy, but focus also on connectivity, inland waterways, railways. 
Dr AK Abdul Momen: Bangladesh is hub of connectivity, our prime minister believes, connectivity is productivity. In this inter connected world, we are all inter-dependent, Bangladesh looks forward to connectivity, particularly regional connectivity. Because if we have good connectivity, our trade, our development flourishes. Particularly with our Neighbours we have policy that we want friendship with everyone, malice to none. We have special focus to have solid relationship with our Neighbours, in order for that we want people to people connectivity. We have opened up our road system, we have wonderful road communication between the 2 countries. We have air communication, we want to make water communication better, we have started railway communication. We used to have those communication, but was distributed during war in 1965, so we resuming that. This is good for both countries. This is because, if we have good connectivity, around 1.4 million Bangladeshis have visited India as tourist. We are the largest tourist of India. India is a big country and tourist from Bangladesh are the largest because we have good connectivity. When tourist come, we make money, and large number visit India for medical reasons. So, you get lot of help, Kolkata, Mumbai, large number of people from Bangladesh come for shopping. Large number of Indians working in Bangladesh, few thousand Indians are working in professional jobs in Bangladesh and they are contributing in our development and at the same time they sending back money. Bangladesh is the 4th largest remittance; Indians are receiving from Bangladesh. It's helping both countries and we like to have more connectivity. In fact, we need to open up more of the rivers. We have to work together; we have 54 rivers that come from India to Bangladesh and right now I am talking I have a devasting flood in my own constituency in Sylhet. It came from Assam and Meghalaya. I am looking if we can develop a better system management and regulations of water, we can avoid lot of damages and surprises. We will like to share our expertise and data so that we have early warning about this sort of disaster. Before Pakistan was created, we used to have flood, but not as devastating as we used to have now.

WION: You meet EAM Jaishankar on Sunday, key issues you will talk about, including perhaps high-level visit from Bangladesh? 
Dr AK Abdul Momen: We have been meeting with Dr Jaishankar, I have meet him number of times, only recently we met in Assam and issues we would like to discuss. Well, we do joint consultation, and outstanding issues we have, we try to resolve it. Prior this we have several, departmental meetings and resolve most of the issues. This time we shall be raising, water sharing issue , water management, we will discuss that. We will talk about Rohingya issue, it's a big issue. India is good friend of Myanmar and great friend of Bangladesh. We would like to work on that and how we can help to resolve it, the outstanding problem. We will discuss connectivity, railway has started to move recently, but have allowed out Mongla and Chittagong port to be used by Indian ships. We have some border issues; good news is border killings have reduced dramatically. Currently at border areas we follow international regulations and we want to see we do follow them. We would like to talk about trade, and we are lucky that trade is flourishing and Indian exports to Bangladesh are a 10-billion-dollar, largest trade India has in whole of the area, south Asia. But more potential. One area we need to improve is India has put dumping in the jute products, and it's should have been withdrawn and we will talk about it. Additional taxation on it. We will talk about investment. Bangladesh is land of opportunity; we have wonderful investment package and we will naturally invite Indian companies. Indian companies in Bangladesh are winners, they are making good money, we will invite others to take advantage. The country is doing well, anything produce in Bangladesh has Market. We are 35 million people, who have strong purchasing capacity. We have 165 million people in Bangladesh. We will talk international and regional issues. What our priority is, our PM believes to have sustainable economic development you cannot do it alone, whole region has to prosper together.

WION: What about the Rohingya issue? What do u expect from India, and for month on this Issue no movement from Myanmar 
Dr AK Abdul Momen: 5th year, but you see, if there is a commitment. I'm an optimist and if there is a commitment, where there is a will, there is a way. So, if Bangladesh, India and Myanmar work together we can resolve it. We can have sustainable solution to it. The Rohingya issue was created by Myanmar and solution also lies with Myanmar. So, if we work together with support of India ,other friends, we can resolve the issue for the betterment of all. Reason is if this problem is not resolved, the problem is , there could be pocket of radicalism and terrorism. If there is radicalism and terrorism, it may create uncertainty in the whole region. The other day, I was in Assam, the CM of Assam said they have done great improvement in development in last few years. One reason is, there is no terrorism, PM Hasina's declaration of zero tolerance to terrorism. Bangladesh cannot be hub for any sorts of terrorists' activities and that helped the economic development of Assam and Meghalaya. So, if Rohingya problem is not resolved, it will create uncertainty so we have to work together for the benefit of the region, and for humanity.

WION: How has Russian invasion of Ukraine impacted your country, especially in terms of price of commodities 
Dr AK Abdul Momen: You see, we are highly interconnected with rest of the world, so if there is uncertainty in the developed countries trade and investment suffers. The Ukraine issue is an important issue, the energy cost has gone up. We are energy dependent country, we bring energy from abroad, so if energy cost goes up, very high, 5 times. If it goes up, then major problem is our transportation cost goes up. In addition, we buy some of the items from that part of the world , those are now, you cannot get now. So, we have to procure from other places and it is costly. So, impacts, and it impacts all the countries of the world and it is impacting Bangladesh. We had covid , already many countries of the world suffering and before we can recuperate, the new problem came up. It is costing the whole world and cost of living.

WION: Will you buy cheap Russian Crude oil? 
Dr AK Abdul Momen: We buy crude oil, oil from others , we got some offer to buy but have not because of sanctions, sanctions from Russian oil. We have not bought it. I understand India has bought it, they are good friends, we may discuss it. Friends talk about issues but as such it in not a big issue.

WION: Have you spoken about it with Indian side? 
Dr AK Abdul Momen: If you have better idea, let me know.

WION: Let's talk about the mega infrastructure program, the Padma bridge, how it helps your country. And Indian support you got when it comes to the development of bridge 
Dr AK Abdul Momen: It is historic moment for us, 25th of June, we will inaugurate the historic Padma bridge. This is not a long bridge, just 6.1 KM long, but the most important thing is it is on the most ferocious river of the planet earth. The current is very deadly, and putting structure is difficult. 40 Storey building underneath the water... anyway, another story to it. We have been planning to build the bridge for a long time, and some development partner and institutions like World Bank, the ADB, JICA. They agreed to provide partial payment for this and we have never done project of this size and being an LDC forget it. But our PM had courage. She decided to go for the project. Initially World Bank was not interested, then on their own, volunteered to join the program. They joined it but suddenly at the last minute they withdrew on fictitious charge, that they are apprehending some conspiracy of corruption. No money was exchanged, no document signed but they feeling some conspiracy of corruption. Eventually there was court case and Canadian court found that this is fairly tales. But world withdraw and naturally ADB, JICA withdrew. So, PM decided, we will build with our own money. Did not take penny from others. But some companies, foreign companies, they are involved in constructions, as contactors, we engaged with them. This bridge according to estimates, GDP will increase between 1.5 to 3%. It's a huge margin, huge amount, it will help improve GDP by connecting 19 districts of Bangladesh. 30 million people of southern area will be benefitted. The distance of travelling will improve enormously. That area, you go to India, our connectivity will improve and hopeful many Indians will use the beautiful bridge.

WION: How India supported the development of the bridge, how do u see that as. 
Dr AK Abdul Momen: See India is a development partner, good friend, and we are maintaining our stability and in the process India is helpful. As such, we did not get any money for particular project, what should I say materials. We used our own material for the bridge, cement, iron and everything of our own.

WION: You issued a statement, clarifications on Chinese role in the project, why was the need for clarification? 
Dr AK Abdul Momen: Because it was said, some people for one reason or other, I don't know what is the reason behind. But it is the part of belt and road initative. Nothing to do with it. We have been thinking of doing this for a long time. So, it's nothing, some people are putting this story so we thought we should put the facts straight. We built it with our own money, of course we had contractors, contractors from China, European countries, and all across. Many people have different types of expertise, provide those and we paid for that.

WION: China has a role in region. Debt trap diplomacy, Sri Lanka for an example, Pakistan might go that way, how do see Chinese role and it's debt trap diplomacy. 
Dr AK Abdul Momen: No no, it depends on country specific you see, China is an emerging developed country and they have plenty of cash reserves. They want to help neighboring countries and they have been supportive. Many of our development partners are shy of resources, and they spend more of resources in defense expenditure so they, help you with investment, more so in infrastructure. They are very shy, so from time to time some countries get money from China. We are very prudent country, we decide everything. We do cost benefit analysis, and if it's beneficial to us. What happened in Pakistan or Sri Lanka, that is not going to happen. They have their own problems also, but in our case they total amount of Foreign borrowing is very low, it's around 16%, out of that Chinese amount of borrowing is miniscule. Our largest borrowing is from international institutions like World Bank, ADB. Chinese are very little. Among individual country, Japan provides maximum financing. This is out question, Bangladesh is, must say, we are going well, our export-- Sri Lanka is 21 million people and they export 11 billion dollars, our export is 47 billion dollars, even during covid our remittance were 25 billion, they don't have that. Their income was from tourism, and they import a lot from abroad. We don't import, we are self-sufficient country in food, fish and vegetable. This comparison is out of question. &nbsp;

WION: In South Asia, an obvious question, who do u support. India or China. 
Dr AK Abdul Momen We have a policy, friendship towards all, malice towards none, that is cardinal principle. We also have policy; we will always be more supportive and cooperative with our Neighbours. Now, we make a good balance between China and India. Balance in the sense that, India is our historical friend and we have strong relationship with India and China is our development partner and supporting us in many of our projects.

WION: How are u supporting Sri Lanka? 
Dr AK Abdul Momen: We have been supportive of Sri Lanka, the financial difficulty. We provided funding of around 250 million dollars, provided food, gift of 25000 tones of potato, and few thousand tons of medicines and we are ready to help them as much as we can.

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In an exclusive conversation with WION, visiting Bangladesh foreign minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said that he will discuss the Rohingya issue with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Sunday.

In an exclusive conversation with WION, visiting Bangladesh foreign minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said that he will discuss the Rohingya issue with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Sunday. The Bangladeshi FM is in Delhi for the seventh meeting of the Joint Consultative Commission (JCC). Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, the FM Momen said, "if Bangladesh, India and Myanmar work together we can resolve it. We can have sustainable solution to it." Sunday's Joint Consultative Commission (JCC) meet will be the such first physical meet of the mechanism since the onset of Covid-19 pandemic, with the previous edition taking place virtually in 2020. Asked on import of Russian crude oil, he said, " we got some offer to buy but have not because of sanctions, sanctions from Russian oil. We have not bought it". He explained, "I understand India has bought it, they are good friends, we may discuss it. Friends talk about issues but as such it in not a big issue." The FM was in Assam last month for Natural Allies in Development and Interdependence (NADI) meet. He also responded on other issues like China's debt trap diplomacy, Dhaka's support to Sri Lanka and the mega infrastructure project--Padma Bridge to be inaugurated later this month. Also read | Sri Lanka schools, govt offices to shut as transport grinds to halt WION: How do u see India, Bangladesh relationship? It's being termed as shonali adyay or the Golden age of ties, we saw all though last year, high level visits from India to your country, The PM, The President Dr AK Abdul Momen: We have a wonderful relationship, and PM Modi has termed it Sonali Adhyay, Golden chapter, and really it is so, it's a Golden chapter because we have resolved most of our critical issues through dialogue and discussion without a single bullet, we have resolved our border demarcation problem, through dialogue and discussion, we have resolved our maritime boundary situation, we have also resolved the water sharing, some critical issues we resolved via dialogue and discussion. Still, we have some outstanding issues , good thing is we can talk about them very freely and without any reservation, this is a unique relationship. This should be studied by students of Diplomacy, how we have developed, during the last year we observed 50th anniversary of our independence, and also 100th birth anniversary of father of our nation and luckily last year UN declared Bangladesh has met graduation from LDC to developing country. Last year we also observed 50 years Diplomatic relationship with India. You cannot believe, PM of India, President of India, we were very lucky they visited Bangladesh and had wonderful time. Not only that, we observed you the Friendship day or Moitri Diwas in 18 missions across the world, India and Bangladesh together. It's because in 1971, it was India that supported us, helped us, trained us, for our Independence movement. We have rock solid relationship, historical, we have gone through same challenges, by and large same history. It's people to people relationship. When you look, I cannot differentiate much if your Bangladeshi or Indian. That is the relationship we have, and for next 50 years, we look for better relationship. My feeling is next 50 years, we have more solid relationship. The way it was in early 90s, or in past, mobility was free. People of the sub-continent used to do many things together. So, I thought I future we will have borderless mobility between India and Bangladesh, we should move around without any passport in the whole region. I am looking forward to that. WION: High level visits, when can we expected Bangladesh PM to visit India. Recently she sent Mangoes to Indian President, PM Dr AK Abdul Momen: We have a lovely mango, Bangladesh produces plenty of Mangoes and one special kind of Mango PM of India likes it, now we have sent it, we did it last year. We sent it to PM and other leaders of India, to develop better taste Bangladesh. × WION: Mango diplomacy, but focus also on connectivity, inland waterways, railways. Dr AK Abdul Momen: Bangladesh is hub of connectivity, our prime minister believes, connectivity is productivity. In this inter connected world, we are all inter-dependent, Bangladesh looks forward to connectivity, particularly regional connectivity. Because if we have good connectivity, our trade, our development flourishes. Particularly with our Neighbours we have policy that we want friendship with everyone, malice to none. We have special focus to have solid relationship with our Neighbours, in order for that we want people to people connectivity. We have opened up our road system, we have wonderful road communication between the 2 countries. We have air communication, we want to make water communication better, we have started railway communication. We used to have those communication, but was distributed during war in 1965, so we resuming that. This is good for both countries. This is because, if we have good connectivity, around 1.4 million Bangladeshis have visited India as tourist. We are the largest tourist of India. India is a big country and tourist from Bangladesh are the largest because we have good connectivity. When tourist come, we make money, and large number visit India for medical reasons. So, you get lot of help, Kolkata, Mumbai, large number of people from Bangladesh come for shopping. Large number of Indians working in Bangladesh, few thousand Indians are working in professional jobs in Bangladesh and they are contributing in our development and at the same time they sending back money. Bangladesh is the 4th largest remittance; Indians are receiving from Bangladesh. It's helping both countries and we like to have more connectivity. In fact, we need to open up more of the rivers. We have to work together; we have 54 rivers that come from India to Bangladesh and right now I am talking I have a devasting flood in my own constituency in Sylhet. It came from Assam and Meghalaya. I am looking if we can develop a better system management and regulations of water, we can avoid lot of damages and surprises. We will like to share our expertise and data so that we have early warning about this sort of disaster. Before Pakistan was created, we used to have flood, but not as devastating as we used to have now. WION: You meet EAM Jaishankar on Sunday, key issues you will talk about, including perhaps high-level visit from Bangladesh? Dr AK Abdul Momen: We have been meeting with Dr Jaishankar, I have meet him number of times, only recently we met in Assam and issues we would like to discuss. Well, we do joint consultation, and outstanding issues we have, we try to resolve it. Prior this we have several, departmental meetings and resolve most of the issues. This time we shall be raising, water sharing issue , water management, we will discuss that. We will talk about Rohingya issue, it's a big issue. India is good friend of Myanmar and great friend of Bangladesh. We would like to work on that and how we can help to resolve it, the outstanding problem. We will discuss connectivity, railway has started to move recently, but have allowed out Mongla and Chittagong port to be used by Indian ships. We have some border issues; good news is border killings have reduced dramatically. Currently at border areas we follow international regulations and we want to see we do follow them. We would like to talk about trade, and we are lucky that trade is flourishing and Indian exports to Bangladesh are a 10-billion-dollar, largest trade India has in whole of the area, south Asia. But more potential. One area we need to improve is India has put dumping in the jute products, and it's should have been withdrawn and we will talk about it. Additional taxation on it. We will talk about investment. Bangladesh is land of opportunity; we have wonderful investment package and we will naturally invite Indian companies. Indian companies in Bangladesh are winners, they are making good money, we will invite others to take advantage. The country is doing well, anything produce in Bangladesh has Market. We are 35 million people, who have strong purchasing capacity. We have 165 million people in Bangladesh. We will talk international and regional issues. What our priority is, our PM believes to have sustainable economic development you cannot do it alone, whole region has to prosper together. WION: What about the Rohingya issue? What do u expect from India, and for month on this Issue no movement from Myanmar Dr AK Abdul Momen: 5th year, but you see, if there is a commitment. I'm an optimist and if there is a commitment, where there is a will, there is a way. So, if Bangladesh, India and Myanmar work together we can resolve it. We can have sustainable solution to it. The Rohingya issue was created by Myanmar and solution also lies with Myanmar. So, if we work together with support of India ,other friends, we can resolve the issue for the betterment of all. Reason is if this problem is not resolved, the problem is , there could be pocket of radicalism and terrorism. If there is radicalism and terrorism, it may create uncertainty in the whole region. The other day, I was in Assam, the CM of Assam said they have done great improvement in development in last few years. One reason is, there is no terrorism, PM Hasina's declaration of zero tolerance to terrorism. Bangladesh cannot be hub for any sorts of terrorists' activities and that helped the economic development of Assam and Meghalaya. So, if Rohingya problem is not resolved, it will create uncertainty so we have to work together for the benefit of the region, and for humanity. WION: How has Russian invasion of Ukraine impacted your country, especially in terms of price of commodities Dr AK Abdul Momen: You see, we are highly interconnected with rest of the world, so if there is uncertainty in the developed countries trade and investment suffers. The Ukraine issue is an important issue, the energy cost has gone up. We are energy dependent country, we bring energy from abroad, so if energy cost goes up, very high, 5 times. If it goes up, then major problem is our transportation cost goes up. In addition, we buy some of the items from that part of the world , those are now, you cannot get now. So, we have to procure from other places and it is costly. So, impacts, and it impacts all the countries of the world and it is impacting Bangladesh. We had covid , already many countries of the world suffering and before we can recuperate, the new problem came up. It is costing the whole world and cost of living. WION: Will you buy cheap Russian Crude oil? Dr AK Abdul Momen: We buy crude oil, oil from others , we got some offer to buy but have not because of sanctions, sanctions from Russian oil. We have not bought it. I understand India has bought it, they are good friends, we may discuss it. Friends talk about issues but as such it in not a big issue. WION: Have you spoken about it with Indian side? Dr AK Abdul Momen: If you have better idea, let me know. WION: Let's talk about the mega infrastructure program, the Padma bridge, how it helps your country. And Indian support you got when it comes to the development of bridge Dr AK Abdul Momen: It is historic moment for us, 25th of June, we will inaugurate the historic Padma bridge. This is not a long bridge, just 6.1 KM long, but the most important thing is it is on the most ferocious river of the planet earth. The current is very deadly, and putting structure is difficult. 40 Storey building underneath the water... anyway, another story to it. We have been planning to build the bridge for a long time, and some development partner and institutions like World Bank, the ADB, JICA. They agreed to provide partial payment for this and we have never done project of this size and being an LDC forget it. But our PM had courage. She decided to go for the project. Initially World Bank was not interested, then on their own, volunteered to join the program. They joined it but suddenly at the last minute they withdrew on fictitious charge, that they are apprehending some conspiracy of corruption. No money was exchanged, no document signed but they feeling some conspiracy of corruption. Eventually there was court case and Canadian court found that this is fairly tales. But world withdraw and naturally ADB, JICA withdrew. So, PM decided, we will build with our own money. Did not take penny from others. But some companies, foreign companies, they are involved in constructions, as contactors, we engaged with them. This bridge according to estimates, GDP will increase between 1.5 to 3%. It's a huge margin, huge amount, it will help improve GDP by connecting 19 districts of Bangladesh. 30 million people of southern area will be benefitted. The distance of travelling will improve enormously. That area, you go to India, our connectivity will improve and hopeful many Indians will use the beautiful bridge. WION: How India supported the development of the bridge, how do u see that as. Dr AK Abdul Momen: See India is a development partner, good friend, and we are maintaining our stability and in the process India is helpful. As such, we did not get any money for particular project, what should I say materials. We used our own material for the bridge, cement, iron and everything of our own. WION: You issued a statement, clarifications on Chinese role in the project, why was the need for clarification? Dr AK Abdul Momen: Because it was said, some people for one reason or other, I don't know what is the reason behind. But it is the part of belt and road initative. Nothing to do with it. We have been thinking of doing this for a long time. So, it's nothing, some people are putting this story so we thought we should put the facts straight. We built it with our own money, of course we had contractors, contractors from China, European countries, and all across. Many people have different types of expertise, provide those and we paid for that. WION: China has a role in region. Debt trap diplomacy, Sri Lanka for an example, Pakistan might go that way, how do see Chinese role and it's debt trap diplomacy. Dr AK Abdul Momen: No no, it depends on country specific you see, China is an emerging developed country and they have plenty of cash reserves. They want to help neighboring countries and they have been supportive. Many of our development partners are shy of resources, and they spend more of resources in defense expenditure so they, help you with investment, more so in infrastructure. They are very shy, so from time to time some countries get money from China. We are very prudent country, we decide everything. We do cost benefit analysis, and if it's beneficial to us. What happened in Pakistan or Sri Lanka, that is not going to happen. They have their own problems also, but in our case they total amount of Foreign borrowing is very low, it's around 16%, out of that Chinese amount of borrowing is miniscule. Our largest borrowing is from international institutions like World Bank, ADB. Chinese are very little. Among individual country, Japan provides maximum financing. This is out question, Bangladesh is, must say, we are going well, our export-- Sri Lanka is 21 million people and they export 11 billion dollars, our export is 47 billion dollars, even during covid our remittance were 25 billion, they don't have that. Their income was from tourism, and they import a lot from abroad. We don't import, we are self-sufficient country in food, fish and vegetable. This comparison is out of question. WION: In South Asia, an obvious question, who do u support. India or China. Dr AK Abdul Momen We have a policy, friendship towards all, malice towards none, that is cardinal principle. We also have policy; we will always be more supportive and cooperative with our Neighbours. Now, we make a good balance between China and India. Balance in the sense that, India is our historical friend and we have strong relationship with India and China is our development partner and supporting us in many of our projects. WION: How are u supporting Sri Lanka? Dr AK Abdul Momen: We have been supportive of Sri Lanka, the financial difficulty. We provided funding of around 250 million dollars, provided food, gift of 25000 tones of potato, and few thousand tons of medicines and we are ready to help them as much as we can. Watch WION's live TV here:

Will discuss Rohingya issue, Russian crude oil import with EAM Jaishankar, Bangladesh FM Momen

Dozens of ethnic Rohingya refugees were dead or missing after a&nbsp;boat&nbsp;with about 90 people aboard, including children, capsized and sank in bad weather off the coast of&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;over the weekend, according to media reports.

More than 20 survivors were detained by authorities in&nbsp;Myanmar's Ayeyarwady region, the US funded Radio Free Asia reported, citing residents in the coastal district of Shwe Taung Yan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/over-one-million-displaced-in-myanmar-amid-violence-un-484453">Over one million displaced in Myanmar amid violence: UN humanitarian relief agency</a>

According to survivors, the&nbsp;boat, which was bound for Malaysia, ran into trouble within a couple of days after setting out from Sittwe in&nbsp;Myanmar's Rakhine State on May 19, the Ayeyarwaddy Times reported. So far, at least 14 bodies had been recovered, but more than 50 people were still missing, Radio Free Asia said.

There are only around 600,000 Rohingya Muslims left in&nbsp;Myanmar, a predominantly Buddhist country with a long history of military rule. Rohingya have been rendered as stateless by&nbsp;Myanmar, and as a result of past ethnic violence and persecution the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that 148,000 of them are displaced, with many living in camps.

A spokesman for the military government did not respond to a request for comment on the latest reported tragedy involving Rohingya perishing at sea in a bid to escape persecution in&nbsp;Myanmar.

Watch |&nbsp;Myanmar: Junta troops on a burning spree as 3-day raid turns violent

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/myanmar-junta-troops-on-a-burning-spree-as-3-day-raid-turns-violent-485003/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

More than 730,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh in 2017 to escape a military-led crackdown that UN investigators have said was carried out with "genocidal intent" and included mass killings and rapes.

Myanmar&nbsp;has denied widespread atrocities, framing the violence as a response to attacks by Rohingya militants.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-east-asia/myanmar-junta-to-carry-out-countrys-first-judicial-executions-in-more-than-three-decades-484817">Myanmar junta to carry out country’s first judicial executions in more than three decades</a>

The other main destination for Rohingya refugees has been Malaysia, a Muslim-majority country that is seen as sympathetic though they are not officially recognized there as refugees.

Some 630 Rohingya had attempted sea journeys across the Bay of Bengal between January to May this year, UNHCR said, noting women and children made up 60 per cent of the maritime crossings.

"The latest tragedy shows once again the sense of desperation being felt by Rohingya in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;and in the region," Indrika Ratwatte, UNHCR’s Director for Asia and the Pacific, said in a statement.

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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Dozens of ethnic Rohingya refugees were dead or missing after a boat with about 90 people aboard, including children, capsized and sank in bad weather off the coast of Myanmar over the weekend, according to media reports.

Dozens of ethnic Rohingya refugees were dead or missing after a boat with about 90 people aboard, including children, capsized and sank in bad weather off the coast of Myanmar over the weekend, according to media reports. More than 20 survivors were detained by authorities in Myanmar's Ayeyarwady region, the US funded Radio Free Asia reported, citing residents in the coastal district of Shwe Taung Yan. Also read | Over one million displaced in Myanmar amid violence: UN humanitarian relief agency According to survivors, the boat, which was bound for Malaysia, ran into trouble within a couple of days after setting out from Sittwe in Myanmar's Rakhine State on May 19, the Ayeyarwaddy Times reported. So far, at least 14 bodies had been recovered, but more than 50 people were still missing, Radio Free Asia said. There are only around 600,000 Rohingya Muslims left in Myanmar, a predominantly Buddhist country with a long history of military rule. Rohingya have been rendered as stateless by Myanmar, and as a result of past ethnic violence and persecution the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that 148,000 of them are displaced, with many living in camps. A spokesman for the military government did not respond to a request for comment on the latest reported tragedy involving Rohingya perishing at sea in a bid to escape persecution in Myanmar. Watch | Myanmar: Junta troops on a burning spree as 3-day raid turns violent More than 730,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh in 2017 to escape a military-led crackdown that UN investigators have said was carried out with "genocidal intent" and included mass killings and rapes. Myanmar has denied widespread atrocities, framing the violence as a response to attacks by Rohingya militants. Also read | Myanmar junta to carry out country’s first judicial executions in more than three decades The other main destination for Rohingya refugees has been Malaysia, a Muslim-majority country that is seen as sympathetic though they are not officially recognized there as refugees. Some 630 Rohingya had attempted sea journeys across the Bay of Bengal between January to May this year, UNHCR said, noting women and children made up 60 per cent of the maritime crossings. "The latest tragedy shows once again the sense of desperation being felt by Rohingya in Myanmar and in the region," Indrika Ratwatte, UNHCR’s Director for Asia and the Pacific, said in a statement. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Rohingya refugee boat sinks off Myanmar, dozens dead or missing

Over four years have passed since the Rohingya first started fleeing to Bangladesh. In 2017, the persecuted community was welcomed by the local people but as time passed, the Bangladeshis started getting anxious, here's why!

Rohingya refugees triggering socio-economic crisis in Bangladesh?

The future of Rohingya kids in Bangladesh is in peril after Dhaka shut down the last private Rohingya school on the ground of legality. Mariam Wardak brings you the report in this week's South Asia Diary.

South Asia Diary | Bangladesh shuts down last Rohingya private school

Myanmar military junta on Tuesday said that it "categorically rejects" the US allegation that its armed forces committed genocide against Rohingya Muslims five years ago.&nbsp;

Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya fled Buddhist-majority Myanmar following the 2017 crackdown, which is now the subject of a genocide case at the United Nations' highest court in The Hague.

On Monday, the US declared officially that violence against Rohingya community amounted to genocide. The US said that there was clear evidence of an attempt to "destroy" the group.

Myanmar's junta-appointed foreign ministry slammed the declaration as "far from reality" in a statement on Tuesday.

"Myanmar has never engaged in any genocidal actions and does not have any genocidal intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, racial or religious group or any other group," it said, as quoted by AFP

Around 850,000 Rohingya are languishing in camps in neighbouring Bangladesh, recounting mass killings and rape during the crackdown.

Another 600,000 members of the community remain in Myanmar's Rakhine state where they report widespread oppression. 
Since ousting Aung San Suu Kyi's government last year, the junta has doubled down on widespread perceptions that the Rohingya are interlopers from Bangladesh and continues to deny them citizenship, rights and access to services.

Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing -- who was head of the armed forces during the 2017 crackdown -- has dismissed the word Rohingya as "an imaginary term".

(With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar military junta on Tuesday said that it "categorically rejects" the US allegation that its armed forces committed genocide against Rohingya Muslims five years ago.

Myanmar military junta on Tuesday said that it "categorically rejects" the US allegation that its armed forces committed genocide against Rohingya Muslims five years ago. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya fled Buddhist-majority Myanmar following the 2017 crackdown, which is now the subject of a genocide case at the United Nations' highest court in The Hague. On Monday, the US declared officially that violence against Rohingya community amounted to genocide. The US said that there was clear evidence of an attempt to "destroy" the group. Myanmar's junta-appointed foreign ministry slammed the declaration as "far from reality" in a statement on Tuesday. "Myanmar has never engaged in any genocidal actions and does not have any genocidal intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, racial or religious group or any other group," it said, as quoted by AFP Around 850,000 Rohingya are languishing in camps in neighbouring Bangladesh, recounting mass killings and rape during the crackdown. Another 600,000 members of the community remain in Myanmar's Rakhine state where they report widespread oppression. Since ousting Aung San Suu Kyi's government last year, the junta has doubled down on widespread perceptions that the Rohingya are interlopers from Bangladesh and continues to deny them citizenship, rights and access to services. Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing -- who was head of the armed forces during the 2017 crackdown -- has dismissed the word Rohingya as "an imaginary term". (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar military junta 'categorically rejects' US allegation of Rohingya genocide

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news, top headlines and international breakings from all across the globe, stay tuned with Gravitas for more!

Gravitas: Global Headlines: Joe Biden to travel to Poland; US on Rohingya genocide

The United States has formally determined that violence committed against the Rohingya minority by Myanmar's military amounts to genocide and crimes against humanity, an official told news agencies.&nbsp;

As per the reports, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is due to officially announce the decision to designate that crackdown a genocide in remarks at the Holocaust Museum in Washington on Monday. In the museum, an exhibit on "Burma's Path to Genocide" is on display. Burma is the former name for the country.&nbsp;

As per the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Rohingya are one of Myanmar's many ethnic minorities. He had described the community as "one of, if not the, most discriminated people in the world".&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belgium-mourns-after-car-kills-six-in-carnival-crash-464147">Belgian carnival crash not presumed to be militant attack, says town's mayor</a>&nbsp;

Last year in December, during a visit to Malaysia, Blinken had said that the United States was looking "very actively" at whether the treatment of the Rohingya might "constitute genocide."&nbsp;

In 2018, the State Department had released a report that detailed violence against the Rohingya in western Rakhine state as "extreme, large-scale, widespread, and seemingly geared toward both terrorizing the population and driving out the Rohingya residents."&nbsp;

In 2017, hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims started fleeing across the border into Bangladesh after a deadly crackdown by Myanmar's army.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-condemns-slaughters-and-atrocities-taking-place-in-ukraine-464047">Pope condemns 'slaughters and atrocities' taking place in Ukraine</a>

The Rohingya Muslims attempted to escape by sea or on foot after the crackdown, which was described by the United Nations as a "textbook example of ethnic cleansing".&nbsp;

Around 850,000 Rohingya are languishing in camps in neighbouring Bangladesh, recounting mass killings and rape, while another 600,000 members of the community remain in Rakhine where they report widespread oppression.&nbsp;

A legal designation of genocide - defined by the UN as acts "committed with intent to destroy, in whole or part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group" - could be followed by further sanctions and limits on aid, among other penalties against the already-isolated military junta, the New York Times reported.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States has formally determined that violence committed against the Rohingya minority by Myanmar's military amounts to genocide and crimes against humanity, an official told news agencies.

The United States has formally determined that violence committed against the Rohingya minority by Myanmar's military amounts to genocide and crimes against humanity, an official told news agencies. As per the reports, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is due to officially announce the decision to designate that crackdown a genocide in remarks at the Holocaust Museum in Washington on Monday. In the museum, an exhibit on "Burma's Path to Genocide" is on display. Burma is the former name for the country. As per the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Rohingya are one of Myanmar's many ethnic minorities. He had described the community as "one of, if not the, most discriminated people in the world". ALSO READ | Belgian carnival crash not presumed to be militant attack, says town's mayor Last year in December, during a visit to Malaysia, Blinken had said that the United States was looking "very actively" at whether the treatment of the Rohingya might "constitute genocide." In 2018, the State Department had released a report that detailed violence against the Rohingya in western Rakhine state as "extreme, large-scale, widespread, and seemingly geared toward both terrorizing the population and driving out the Rohingya residents." In 2017, hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims started fleeing across the border into Bangladesh after a deadly crackdown by Myanmar's army. ALSO READ | Pope condemns 'slaughters and atrocities' taking place in Ukraine The Rohingya Muslims attempted to escape by sea or on foot after the crackdown, which was described by the United Nations as a "textbook example of ethnic cleansing". Around 850,000 Rohingya are languishing in camps in neighbouring Bangladesh, recounting mass killings and rape, while another 600,000 members of the community remain in Rakhine where they report widespread oppression. A legal designation of genocide - defined by the UN as acts "committed with intent to destroy, in whole or part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group" - could be followed by further sanctions and limits on aid, among other penalties against the already-isolated military junta, the New York Times reported. (With inputs from agencies)

United States determines Myanmar army committed genocide against Rohingya

The United States officially declared Monday that violence against the Rohingya committed by Myanmar's military amounted to&nbsp;genocide, saying there was clear evidence of an attempt to "destroy" the Muslim minority.

Citing the killings of thousands and forcing close to a million to flee the country in 2016 and 2017, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he had "determined that members of the Burmese military committed&nbsp;genocide&nbsp;and crimes against humanity against Rohingya."

"The military's intent went beyond ethnic cleansing to the actual destruction of Rohingya," Blinken said at the US Holocaust Memorial Museum.

"The attack against Rohingya was widespread and systematic, which is crucial for reaching a determination of crimes against humanity."

Around 850,000 Rohingya are languishing in camps in neighbouring Bangladesh, recounting mass killings and rape, while another 600,000 members of the community remain in Myanmar's Rakhine state where they report widespread oppression.

Rohingya welcome move&nbsp;

The move was cautiously welcomed by activists and members of the beleaguered community.

"This should have been done way before, however I believe the US decision will help the ICJ (International Court of Justice) process for the Rohingya," said a Rohingya at a camp for those displaced by the crisis near Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine.

Thin Thin Hlaing, a Rohingya rights activist, also welcomed the US move.

"I feel like we were living through a blackout but now we see a light, because they recognize our suffering," she told AFP.

Blinken noted 2017 remarks by Min Aung Hlaing, the commander-in-chief of the Myanmar military, that the government was "solving" an "unfinished job" in its destruction of Rohingya communities.

Blinken added that Min Aung Hlaing led the 2021 coup overthrowing the elected government of Myanmar.

The Holocaust Museum prepared its own report in late 2017 with the group Fortify Rights that concluded there was compelling evidence of crimes against humanity in Myanmar.

The State Department released a report in 2018 that detailed violence against the Rohingya in western Rakhine state as "extreme, large-scale, widespread, and seemingly geared toward both terrorizing the population and driving out the Rohingya residents."

A legal designation of&nbsp;genocide&nbsp;-- defined by the UN as acts "committed with intent to destroy, in whole or part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group" -- could be followed by further sanctions and limits on aid, among other penalties against the already-isolated military junta.

A case opened against Myanmar at the ICJ in 2019 has been complicated by last year's coup that ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her government, triggering mass protests and a bloody crackdown.

The Nobel peace laureate, who faced criticism from rights groups for her involvement in the Rohingya case, is now under house arrest and on trial by the same generals she defended at The Hague.

The United States officially declared Monday that violence against the Rohingya committed by Myanmar's military amounted to genocide, saying there was clear evidence of an attempt to "destroy" the Muslim minority.

The United States officially declared Monday that violence against the Rohingya committed by Myanmar's military amounted to genocide, saying there was clear evidence of an attempt to "destroy" the Muslim minority. Citing the killings of thousands and forcing close to a million to flee the country in 2016 and 2017, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he had "determined that members of the Burmese military committed genocide and crimes against humanity against Rohingya." "The military's intent went beyond ethnic cleansing to the actual destruction of Rohingya," Blinken said at the US Holocaust Memorial Museum. "The attack against Rohingya was widespread and systematic, which is crucial for reaching a determination of crimes against humanity." Around 850,000 Rohingya are languishing in camps in neighbouring Bangladesh, recounting mass killings and rape, while another 600,000 members of the community remain in Myanmar's Rakhine state where they report widespread oppression. Rohingya welcome move The move was cautiously welcomed by activists and members of the beleaguered community. "This should have been done way before, however I believe the US decision will help the ICJ (International Court of Justice) process for the Rohingya," said a Rohingya at a camp for those displaced by the crisis near Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine. Thin Thin Hlaing, a Rohingya rights activist, also welcomed the US move. "I feel like we were living through a blackout but now we see a light, because they recognize our suffering," she told AFP. Blinken noted 2017 remarks by Min Aung Hlaing, the commander-in-chief of the Myanmar military, that the government was "solving" an "unfinished job" in its destruction of Rohingya communities. Blinken added that Min Aung Hlaing led the 2021 coup overthrowing the elected government of Myanmar. The Holocaust Museum prepared its own report in late 2017 with the group Fortify Rights that concluded there was compelling evidence of crimes against humanity in Myanmar. The State Department released a report in 2018 that detailed violence against the Rohingya in western Rakhine state as "extreme, large-scale, widespread, and seemingly geared toward both terrorizing the population and driving out the Rohingya residents." A legal designation of genocide -- defined by the UN as acts "committed with intent to destroy, in whole or part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group" -- could be followed by further sanctions and limits on aid, among other penalties against the already-isolated military junta. A case opened against Myanmar at the ICJ in 2019 has been complicated by last year's coup that ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her government, triggering mass protests and a bloody crackdown. The Nobel peace laureate, who faced criticism from rights groups for her involvement in the Rohingya case, is now under house arrest and on trial by the same generals she defended at The Hague.

US declares Myanmar committed genocide against Rohingya

The United States has formally determined that violence committed against the Rohingya minority by Myanmar's military amounts to genocide and crimes against humanity.

US determines Myanmar Junta committed genocide against Rohingya

Myanmar's junta is set to replace&nbsp;Aung San Suu Kyi&nbsp;at the UN's top court Monday as it seeks to dismiss a&nbsp;case&nbsp;over the alleged genocide of&nbsp;Rohingya&nbsp;Muslims.

Suu&nbsp;Kyi&nbsp;personally presented&nbsp;Myanmar's arguments at the&nbsp;International Court of Justice&nbsp;(ICJ) when the&nbsp;case&nbsp;was first heard in December 2019, but was ousted as civilian leader in a military coup last year.

The Nobel peace laureate, who faced criticism from rights groups for her involvement in the&nbsp;case, is now under house arrest and trial by the same generals she defended in The Hague.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/arson-attacks-and-raids-myanmar-military-has-destroyed-over-4500-homes-since-coup-454365">Arson attacks and raids: Myanmar military has destroyed over 4,500 homes since coup</a>

In its "preliminary objections" on Monday,&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;will argue that the court has no jurisdiction over the&nbsp;case, and must throw it out before it moves on to substantive hearings.

Local&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;media said the junta has a new delegation led by Ko Ko Hlaing, international cooperation minister, and Thida Oo, attorney general, who will attend virtually.&nbsp;

Both have been hit with US sanctions over the coup.

The&nbsp;case&nbsp;brought by the mainly Muslim African nation of The Gambia accuses predominantly Buddhist&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;of genocide against the&nbsp;Rohingya&nbsp;minority over a bloody 2017 military crackdown.

The&nbsp;ICJ&nbsp;made a provisional order in January 2020 that&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;must take "all measures" to prevent the alleged genocide of the&nbsp;Rohingya&nbsp;while the years-long proceedings are underway.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-asean-myanmar-envoy-says-wants-to-meet-junta-opponents-454056">New ASEAN Myanmar envoy says wants to meet junta opponents</a>

Bloody crackdown

Gambia will make its counter-arguments on Wednesday.

Around 850,000&nbsp;Rohingya&nbsp;are languishing in camps in neighbouring Bangladesh while another 600,000&nbsp;Rohingya&nbsp;remain in&nbsp;Myanmar's southwestern Rakhine state.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;ICJ&nbsp;was set up after World War II to rule on disputes between UN member states. Its judgments are binding but it has no real means to enforce them.

The&nbsp;Rohingya&nbsp;case&nbsp;at the&nbsp;ICJ&nbsp;has been complicated by the coup that ousted&nbsp;Suu&nbsp;Kyi&nbsp;and her civilian government, and triggered mass protests and a bloody military crackdown. More than 1,500 civilians have been killed, according to a local monitoring group.

Suu&nbsp;Kyi&nbsp;now faces trial herself in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;on a raft of charges that could see her jailed for more than 150 years.

Ahead of the hearing, the shadow "National Unity Government" dominated by lawmakers from&nbsp;Suu&nbsp;Kyi’s ousted party said it, not the junta, "is the proper representative of&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;at the&nbsp;ICJ&nbsp;in the&nbsp;case".

It also rejects&nbsp;Myanmar’s preliminary objections, saying the hearings for these should be cancelled and the court should quickly get down to the hearing of the substantive&nbsp;case.

Watch |&nbsp;Myanmar's military to challenge the jurisdiction of the ICJ on Rohingya genocide

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/myanmars-military-to-challenge-the-jurisdiction-of-the-icj-on-rohingya-genocide-444930/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The NUG holds no territory and has not been recognised by any foreign government, and has been declared a "terrorist" organisation by the junta.

The Gambia accuses&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;of breaching the 1948 UN genocide convention.

Its&nbsp;case&nbsp;is backed by the 57-nation Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Canada and the Netherlands.

Myanmar's junta is set to replace Aung San Suu Kyi at the UN's top court Monday as it seeks to dismiss a case over the alleged genocide of Rohingya Muslims. Suu Kyi personally presented Myanmar's arguments at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) when the case was first heard in December 2019, but was ousted as civilian leader in a military coup last year.

Myanmar's junta is set to replace Aung San Suu Kyi at the UN's top court Monday as it seeks to dismiss a case over the alleged genocide of Rohingya Muslims. Suu Kyi personally presented Myanmar's arguments at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) when the case was first heard in December 2019, but was ousted as civilian leader in a military coup last year. The Nobel peace laureate, who faced criticism from rights groups for her involvement in the case, is now under house arrest and trial by the same generals she defended in The Hague. Also read | Arson attacks and raids: Myanmar military has destroyed over 4,500 homes since coup In its "preliminary objections" on Monday, Myanmar will argue that the court has no jurisdiction over the case, and must throw it out before it moves on to substantive hearings. Local Myanmar media said the junta has a new delegation led by Ko Ko Hlaing, international cooperation minister, and Thida Oo, attorney general, who will attend virtually. Both have been hit with US sanctions over the coup. The case brought by the mainly Muslim African nation of The Gambia accuses predominantly Buddhist Myanmar of genocide against the Rohingya minority over a bloody 2017 military crackdown. The ICJ made a provisional order in January 2020 that Myanmar must take "all measures" to prevent the alleged genocide of the Rohingya while the years-long proceedings are underway. Also read | New ASEAN Myanmar envoy says wants to meet junta opponents Bloody crackdown Gambia will make its counter-arguments on Wednesday. Around 850,000 Rohingya are languishing in camps in neighbouring Bangladesh while another 600,000 Rohingya remain in Myanmar's southwestern Rakhine state. The ICJ was set up after World War II to rule on disputes between UN member states. Its judgments are binding but it has no real means to enforce them. The Rohingya case at the ICJ has been complicated by the coup that ousted Suu Kyi and her civilian government, and triggered mass protests and a bloody military crackdown. More than 1,500 civilians have been killed, according to a local monitoring group. Suu Kyi now faces trial herself in Myanmar on a raft of charges that could see her jailed for more than 150 years. Ahead of the hearing, the shadow "National Unity Government" dominated by lawmakers from Suu Kyi’s ousted party said it, not the junta, "is the proper representative of Myanmar at the ICJ in the case". It also rejects Myanmar’s preliminary objections, saying the hearings for these should be cancelled and the court should quickly get down to the hearing of the substantive case. Watch | Myanmar's military to challenge the jurisdiction of the ICJ on Rohingya genocide The NUG holds no territory and has not been recognised by any foreign government, and has been declared a "terrorist" organisation by the junta. The Gambia accuses Myanmar of breaching the 1948 UN genocide convention. Its case is backed by the 57-nation Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Canada and the Netherlands.

Myanmar to contest ICJ Rohingya case, without Aung San Suu Kyi

Rohingya refugees who have relocated to Bhasan Char Island in Bangladesh are now able to move freely outside the camps. If anyone wants they can go to visit their families or relatives.

Inside the life of Rohingya refugees: Govt aims to relocate one lakh Rohingyas

The government and several NGOs are struggling to ensure healthcare for the Rohingyas who have been relocated to Bhasanchar from the Cox’s Bazar Rohingya camp in Bangladesh.

The government and several NGOs are struggling to ensure healthcare for the Rohingyas who have been relocated to Bhasanchar from the Cox’s Bazar Rohingya camp in Bangladesh. It is a challenge to bring critically ill patients from the island to any hospital on the mainland. The number of births and deaths in the last year is almost the same. The government, however, has been very successful in preventing the Covid-19 infection and vaccinating the Rohingya population. Team WION visited several vaccination centres. Rohingyas were seen coming to the vaccination centres to get inoculated. Two-thirds of the Rohingyas living in Bhasanchar have already been vaccinated. The government is now conducting various campaigns to vaccinate the entire Rohingya population. There is only one specialised hospital with just 20 beds on Bhahsanchar island for Rohingyas. A baby was hospitalised for several days with diarrhoea. The mother claimed that her child has become much better after receiving treatment and medicine from the hospital. "My baby got better after being given oxygen and injections. The doctors have treated him well," the mother said. Also read | Price surge in Pak galvanises opposition's plan to bring no-confidence vote against Imran Khan In another scenario, a woman who was admitted to the hospital with symptoms of kidney disease is not getting the required treatment. While speaking to WION, the woman said, "I have a kidney problem. It hurts a lot here. I'm in pain." Gonoshasthaya Kendra is working to ensure the well-being of Rohingyas with funding from UNHCR. Last week, for the first time in almost a year, a young paediatrician joined the Kendra. It has been noted that the doctors have been struggling to provide first aid, especially to patients who urgently need better treatment and are at high. According to the clinic manager, critically ill patients are often at risk of death due to the distance from the mainland to Bhasanchar island. There is also a lack of adequate transportation. As per Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commission, 255 children have been born in Bhasanchar in the last year. In one year, 207 Rohingyas died in the camp. Most of those who died were children and the elderly. However, in the last few months, the death toll has dropped significantly. Despite all these challenges, the success achieved in the health sector in the last year is quite impressive. Bhasanchar is the only place where not a single Rohingya has been infected with Covid yet.

As govt aims to vaccinate the entire population, two-third Rohingya living in Bhasanchar already vaccinated

The government and NGOs are struggling to ensure proper health care for the Rohingya refugees living in Bhasan Char Island, Bangladesh. Watch WION's ground report.

Ground report from Bangladesh: Authorities struggle to ensure proper healthcare at Rohingya camps

In 2021 thousands of Rohingyas were relocated to Bangladesh's Bhasan Char island and in a year, the group has made it their home after decades of torment. WION tells you how Bhasan Char island has emerged as a ray of hope for the Rohingya refugees.

The Rohingya in Bangladesh's Bhasan Char island get access to education

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