United News of Bangladesh

A young man lost his right leg in a landmine explosion along the Teknaf border in Cox’s Bazar on Monday. The incident occurred around 10:30 am in the Hauserdip area of the Hoikkhong Lombabil border under Teknaf upazila, police said. The victim was identified as Mohammad Hanif, 22, son of Md Fazlul Haque of Lombabil under Ward No. 3 of Hoikkhong union. According to family members, Hanif went to a shrimp enclosure in the border area to catch fish when a landmine buried in the embankment exploded. The blast severed his right leg at the ankle and caused serious injuries to his left leg. Minor girl struck in cross-border gunfire in Cox’s Bazar Fazlul Haque said his son was rescued around noon with the help of locals and taken to the MSF Hospital in Kutupalong for treatment. Confirming the incident, sub-inspector Khokon Kanti Rudra, in-charge of Hoikkhong Police Outpost, said a landmine planted near the Bangladesh–Myanmar border exploded, leaving the youth injured. The injured was sent to hospital for medical treatment, he added.

Canada has said it remains steadfast in its support for efforts to advance accountability, dignity and justice for the Rohingya. Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh met three Rohingya survivors who will be travelling to The Hague to testify in the upcoming International Court of Justice (ICJ) hearings in the landmark genocide case brought by The Gambia against Myanmar for atrocities committed against the Rohingya. The discussion focused on the long-standing persecution and violence faced by the Rohingya in Myanmar, their ongoing struggle for rights and justice, and the importance of international accountability, said the High Commission on Monday. UN court begins hearings on ‘genocide’ of Rohingya by Myanmar The Rohingya representatives expressed their appreciation for Canada’s support, including support to ensure Rohingya victims voices are heard in the landmark ICJ case. The High Commissioner acknowledged their courage in testifying and reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to human rights, accountability and international justice. Bangladesh is currently hosting over 1.3 million Rohingya in Cox’s Bazar camps and Bhasan Char.

The United Nations’ top court on Monday began hearings on whether Myanmar committed genocide against the Rohingya ethnic minority, a case first brought by Gambia in 2019. Gambia filed the case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Myanmar’s military of violating the 1948 Genocide Convention during its so-called “clearance operations” in Rakhine state in 2017. Myanmar has consistently denied the allegations. Lawyer Paul S. Reichler, representing Gambia at a preliminary hearing in 2022, warned that without ICJ oversight, Myanmar’s military “will be accountable to no one” and could continue persecuting the Rohingya. Read more: Concerned about Rohingya children growing up as angry young people: Prof Yunus The 2017 military campaign followed an attack by a Rohingya insurgent group. Security forces were accused of mass killings, sexual violence, and burning thousands of homes, forcing more than 700,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh. Today, around 1.2 million Rohingya remain in overcrowded camps, where children face recruitment by armed groups and girls as young as 12 are subjected to sexual exploitation. Severe cuts in international aid last year further worsened the humanitarian situation. Rohingya activist Lucky Karim of Refugee Women for Peace and Justice said the ICJ hearings offer “a beacon of hope” that justice for the persecuted minority will not go unheard. Myanmar was initially represented at the court by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, who denied genocide allegations and attributed the Rohingya exodus to clashes with insurgents. She is now imprisoned following the military takeover and convictions widely seen as politically motivated. Myanmar challenged the ICJ’s jurisdiction, arguing that Gambia was not directly involved in the conflict. In 2022, the court rejected the claim, allowing the case to proceed. Experts say the outcome could set a precedent for other genocide cases, including a South African case against Israel. Juliette McIntyre, an international law specialist at the University of South Australia, said while the legal standard for genocide is strict, the ICJ might broaden its interpretation, validating victims’ experiences and supporting further legal action. Read more: Dhaka, Washington discuss upcoming elections, economic, Rohingya issues A ruling of genocide could also strengthen proceedings at the International Criminal Court, which in 2024 requested an arrest warrant for Myanmar’s military chief, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, over crimes against the Rohingya—a request that remains pending.

The Trump administration has temporarily halted immigration applications, including green card requests, for individuals from 19 countries previously targeted by travel restrictions. The move follows recent policy changes prompted by the shooting of two National Guard troops. According to a policy memo posted Tuesday by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the pause affects decisions such as green card approvals and naturalizations for people from countries deemed high-risk. USCIS Director Joseph Edlow will determine when the suspension ends. Migrants brace for uncertainty under Trump’s new immigration restrictions Earlier this year, the administration banned travel from 12 countries and restricted access for seven more, citing security concerns. While earlier restrictions did not affect immigrants already in the U.S., the new directive subjects them to additional review, including potential interviews and referrals to law enforcement. USCIS plans to prioritize cases for review within 90 days, reflecting heightened scrutiny following the Thanksgiving week attack near the White House by an Afghan national. Critics argue the policy penalizes immigrants collectively. Source: AP 

A mild earthquake was felt in parts of Bangladesh including Chattogram early Tuesday (December 02). The tremor measuring 4.9 on the Richter scale was recorded at 12:55am, said meteorologist Shahnaj Sultana of Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD). Read more: Ceiling And Wall Cracks After An Earthquake: When To Worry The epicentre was in Mingin of Myanmar 431 km southeast of BMD Seismic Centre in Agargaon, she said.

Governments attending upcoming regional summits in Malaysia should reject the Myanmar military junta’s plans to hold “elections” in December 2025, Human Rights Watch said in a letter to all countries sending delegates. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and ASEAN partner Summits will take place in Kuala Lumpur on October 26-28, with the Myanmar crisis on the agenda. The Myanmar junta has continued its repression of pro-democracy forces, carrying out arbitrary arrests, torture, and abusive conscription, and increased military attacks on civilians, said the New York-based rights body. The junta has intensified its crackdown ahead of the planned elections, which the authorities scheduled to begin December 28. ASEAN members and partner countries should strengthen efforts to address Myanmar’s human rights and humanitarian crisis and the plight of millions of its people displaced since the February 2021 military coup. “Myanmar’s junta has demonstrated neither the intention nor the capacity to organize and hold elections that would even remotely meet international standards,” said John Sifton, Asia advocacy director at Human Rights Watch. “The junta’s repression and unlawful attacks have created a climate of fear in which no genuine polls can take place, let alone voting that will be free and fair.” HRW raises concerns over legislative actions by Bangladesh’s interim govt The military’s widespread atrocities in recent years have included crimes against humanity and war crimes, arbitrary detention of opposition politicians, and the dissolution and criminalization of opposition political parties. On July 30, the junta issued a draconian law that criminalizes criticism of the election by prohibiting speaking, organizing, or protesting that “disrupt[s] any part of the electoral process.” Since large parts of Myanmar are not under military control but instead held by opposition armed groups, the junta would not be able to hold polls in most of the country’s townships. Senior United Nations officials, international election monitoring groups and several foreign governments have issued warnings about the planned elections. The UN secretary-general’s special envoy for Myanmar, Julie Bishop, said that, “There is a significant risk that the election planned for December, under current circumstances, will increase resistance, protest, and violence and further undermine the fragile state of the country.” Several former ASEAN foreign ministers issued a joint statement on October 11 calling on ASEAN to “unequivocally reject” the planned “sham election” and initiate a “complete strategic reset on Myanmar.” HRW raises concerns over legislative actions by Bangladesh’s interim govt “ASEAN and ASEAN partners should categorically reject the idea that free and fair elections can currently be held in Myanmar, and refuse to support the elections in any way,” Sifton said. “Other governments should also signal that if elections are held, any supposed results will not be considered credible.”

Chief Adviser’s High Representative Dr Khalilur Rahman on Tuesday said the repatriation of Rohingyas from Bangladesh is unlikely to proceed unless the ongoing conflicts in Myanmar's Rakhine (Arakan) state are resolved. “They (Rohingyas) are not leaving tomorrow. A repatriation process requires careful preparation — ensuring safety, livelihood opportunities and a stable environment. This is not unique to the Rohingya situation; it is fundamental to all repatriation processes,” he told a press briefing held at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital. Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, Deputy Press Secretary Apurba Jahangir and Assistant Press Secretary Nayem Ali were present. Dr Khalilur Rahman said Bangladesh's interim government is actively working towards that end in coordination with relevant international and regional actors. He also elaborated key developments from the sixth Bimstec summit held in Bangkok from April 3 to 4, saying that the conference highlighted regional cooperation, including discussions on the long-standing Rohingya crisis. “During the summit, I met U Than Swe, Myanmar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. We have made significant progress regarding repatriation,” said Dr Rahman, adding, “Between 2018 and 2020, we submitted a list of 800,000 Rohingyas in six phases. Myanmar has reviewed 250,000 of these names and identified 180,000 people who they confirm arrived from Myanmar. However, there are some discrepancies regarding the remaining 70,000, which both sides are working to resolve.” Myanmar has also committed to accelerating the verification process for the remaining 550,000 Rohingyas. Hasina’s extradition issue raised but nothing finalised: Foreign Adviser He said Bangladesh is maintaining contact with all relevant stakeholders, including the Myanmar authorities, the Arakan Army, the United Nations, and friendly nations. “Under the 2018 bilateral agreement between Bangladesh and Myanmar, verification has been ongoing. While Rakhine is a sovereign region of Myanmar, we have also engaged in dialogue with the Arakan Army, which publicly affirmed in September that repatriating the Rohingya is a key position for them. They reiterated this stance unequivocally during our discussions.” Dr Rahman emphasised, “We believe arrangements can be made to return these 180,000 individuals. While this won’t happen overnight, we are striving to expedite the process with all stakeholders involved.” Dr Khalil also relayed the Chief Adviser’s goal that Rohingya refugees may be able to celebrate the next Eid in their homeland. Referring to concerns about instability in Rakhine, where 80 percent of the territory is under the control of the Arakan Army, Dr Khalil acknowledged that conflict may delay the repatriation. He, however, highlighted substantial progress over the past three months. “This issue had been losing global attention, but thanks to efforts by the UN Secretary-General and the Chief Adviser, it has been brought back to the forefront. A dedicated international conference on the Rohingya crisis has also been secured at the UN.” On March 15, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and UN Secretary-General António Guterres visited refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar and shared iftar with around 100,000 Rohingya refugees. Home adviser sees no specific security threat centering Pahela Baishakh During this visit, the UN Secretary-General reiterated that repatriation is the only viable solution to the crisis — a view echoed in a joint statement with China during a recent diplomatic visit. “This is the first time we have an agreed number,” said Dr Khalil, referring to the 180,000 verified individuals. “It gives us a foundation to move forward.” He underscored the necessity of ensuring an “enabling environment” for returnees. “You cannot push a community back into a fire. Safety and means of livelihood must be guaranteed. We cannot do this alone — all parties must collaborate.” Regarding Bangladesh’s role in promoting peace in Arakan, Dr Khalil said, “We are working with international organisations and various nations to address the humanitarian crisis and restore stability in the region. For any meaningful progress, a ceasefire between the warring parties is crucial.” He added, “Our discussions indicate that during humanitarian operations led by the UN, both sides are likely to observe a cessation of hostilities. We are hopeful that this will create the conditions needed for repatriation discussions to become more practical.” Responding to questions about the proposed humanitarian corridor mentioned by the UN Secretary-General, Dr Khalil said, “He used the term 'channel' rather than 'corridor' due to the legal implications. Bangladesh remains the only viable conduit for delivering aid, given that Rakhine’s coast remains under Tatmadaw control, making other access points infeasible.” Highlighting the broader humanitarian dimension, Dr Khalil said, “This is not just about the Rohingya. Many in the Rakhine community are suffering — from food shortages to lack of medical aid. Both communities have borne heavy losses in this conflict. Supporting them is not only our responsibility but that of the entire international community.” Describing Bangladesh’s evolving approach over the past eight years, he said, “The repatriation issue must be seen as an integrated process. Ensuring peace in Arakan and Rohingya repatriation are inherently linked. No one can be pushed back into a warzone. We are committed to voluntary repatriation, and the willingness to return is evident. The only hurdle is ensuring a safe and stable environment.” “This is a multidimensional challenge. Many elements were previously absent, but now the dimensions are coming together. And we are not alone in this effort,” he added.

The ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) on Wednesday strongly condemned the decision to invite the "illegitimate" Myanmar military junta to participate in the upcoming Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) meeting in Bangkok on April 3-4. APHR called on BIMSTEC member states, particularly Thailand and India, to reject the junta’s participation and take decisive action in support of democracy and human rights. If BIMSTEC seeks to be a credible regional actor, it must prove that it stands for justice, not complicity, APHR said in a statement from Jakarta. “Engaging the Myanmar junta without demanding concrete commitments to human rights and democracy is a betrayal of the people of Myanmar and a stain on BIMSTEC’s reputation,” said Arlene Brosas, APHR Board Member and Member of the House of Representatives of the Philippines. As one of the founding countries of BIMSTEC and the host of its 6th Summit, Thailand must take a principled stand and reject the junta’s participation. Dr Yunus' remarks on Northeast India made with good intentions: High Representative Allowing the military regime a seat at the table not only legitimizes its brutal rule but also undermines BIMSTEC’s credibility as a regional organization committed to peace, stability, and development, it said in a statement. Since its illegal coup on 1 February 2021, Myanmar’s military has committed grave human rights violations, including the killing of thousands of civilians, arbitrary arrests of opposition figures and activists, and the dismantling of democratic institutions. Most recently, military forces bombed affected regions, including Sagaing, just hours after a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The junta has systematically blocked aid and refused international rescue assistance, repeating its callous response to past disasters like Cyclone Nargis. “The Myanmar military has shown complete disregard for human rights, humanitarian principles, and the rule of law. By engaging with the junta, BIMSTEC is not promoting diplomacy—it is endorsing oppression,” said Mercy Chriesty Barends, APHR Chairperson and Member of the House of Representatives of Indonesia. Unlike ASEAN, which has at least attempted to address the Myanmar crisis through its Five-Point Consensus, BIMSTEC has remained largely silent. Its failure to take action raises serious concerns about the bloc’s commitment to democratic governance and human rights. BIMSTEC Sidelines: Yunus, Modi first-ever in-person meeting set for April 4 “The people of Myanmar continue to resist military oppression at great personal cost. Yet, instead of supporting their struggle, BIMSTEC is handing the junta a platform,” said Rangsiman Rome, APHR Board Member and Member of the House of Representatives of Thailand. “Thailand, as the host of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, has a responsibility to lead with integrity and take a clear stand against the junta’s participation.” Despite its economic and geopolitical ambitions, BIMSTEC has yet to demonstrate a meaningful commitment to addressing security threats posed by state repression. By engaging the illegitimate Myanmar junta without conditions, it undermines the very stability it claims to promote. APHR believes that economic cooperation cannot be separated from human rights. A regime that wages war on its people cannot be a trusted partner in regional development. “BIMSTEC must not turn a blind eye to authoritarianism,” said Angelina Sarmento, APHR Board Member and Member of the Parliament of Timor Leste. “Its engagement with Myanmar must be principled and centered on the victims, not their oppressors.”

A rescue team from the Fire Service and Civil Defence has been deployed to Myanmar to assist in search and rescue operations following a devastating earthquake. The 10-member rescue team departed from Dhaka at 11:35am on Tuesday aboard a special flight as part of a joint humanitarian assistance mission coordinated by the Bangladesh Armed Forces Division. Bangladesh's 55-member rescue, medical team arrives in quake-hit Myanmar Led by Deputy Director of Dhaka Division, Md Saleh Uddin, the team comprises three officers and seven firefighters, according to a press release. Notably, the Fire Service and Civil Defence had previously sent a rescue team to Turkey in 2023 to aid in post-earthquake recovery efforts.

A 55-member rescue and medical team from Bangladesh reached Nay Pyi Taw on Tuesday afternoon to extend humanitarian assistance to the earthquake affected people of Myanmar. Two C 130 J and one CASA C 295W flights carried the team along with a total 15 metric tons of relief materials comprising 4.2 metric ton medicine and medical products, tent, and dry food to Myanmar.  Bangladesh sends 2nd consignment of emergency aid to Myanmar Bangladesh Ambassador in Myanmar M Monwar Hossain handed over the relief materials to Ambassador at large of Myanmar Foreign Ministry Kyaw Tun, according to an official message here. Defence Adviser of the Embassy Brigadier General Md. Aftab Hossain was also present during the handing over ceremony. Earlier on March 30, Bangladesh sent the first consignment of 16.5 metric tons of relief in two flights.