Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh Michael Miller has said they all understand that the solution to the protracted Rohingya crisis is "political" and said they should work with Dhaka to promote a ‘Whole of Cox’s Bazar’ approach. "All of us, Bangladesh, the EU and most importantly the Rohingya themselves, wish to see returns. But, conditions for safe, sustainable, voluntary and dignified return do not currently exist," he told UNB, sharing his experience of visiting the Rohingya camp in Cox's Bazar recently. EuroCham launched, seen as new milestone in Bangladesh-EU business relations In the meantime, therefore, an "evolution" is needed in the response to allow more work on resilience, said the Ambassador. This means, according to him, giving due consideration to allowing the construction of sturdier shelters that will make donor funding last longer, and for which there is a series of prototypes currently being tested. "It should also mean exploring how to promote greater resilience for the refugees and opening up digital education to avoid a situation in which desperate people are vulnerable to crime, exploitation and recruitment to fight in Myanmar," Ambassador Miller said. EU allocates €300,000 in humanitarian aid to gutted Cox’s Bazar Rohingya camps The European Union recognises the burden borne by Bangladesh in hosting the Rohingya refugees, he said. Bangladesh is hosting over 1.3 million Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char. In 2024, the EU has allocated EUR 43 million in humanitarian funding for the Rohingya response, for immediate disbursement, and a further EUR 35 million in development funding for the next three years. "We are supporting both the refugees and host communities. This is why I visited Cox’s Bazar in October to understand what the situation is on the ground, to listen to Bengalis (Bangladeshis) and Rohingya and to consider how to maximise the impact and sustainability of our financing," said Ambassador Miller. President seeks global support to solve Rohingya issue "Security, or rather insecurity", was the number one topic that he heard in the camps, he said. "Outside the camps, we have worked, and continue to work, to promote a dynamic economy at the interface between the local economy and the camps. I only heard positive noises on our cooperation, reinforcing my sense that we should work with Dhaka to promote a ‘Whole of Cox’s Bazar’ approach," the EU envoy added. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus recently proposed organizing an all stakeholders’ international conference on the Rohingya issue. "It has already received widespread international support," said Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Rafiqul Alam. He expressed hope that this high-level conference will build political consensus on a realistic framework for the sustainable repatriation and reintegration of the Rohingya in Myanmar.

Severe Cyclonic Storm Remal, which made landfall on Bangladesh’s coast on Sunday (May 26, 2024) night, moved northwards and weakened into a cyclonic storm and further weakened into a land deep depression over Jashore and adjoining area, according to Bangladesh Meteorological Department. It is likely to move northeastwards further and weaken into a land depression by giving precipitation, the BMD stated in its special bulletin. Dhaka’s air quality improves after rain due to the influence of Cyclone Remal Maritime ports of Payra and Mongla have been advised to lower danger signal number 10 but instead hoist local cautionary signal number three (R ) three. Maritime ports of Cox's bazar and Chattogram have been advised to lower danger signal number nine but instead hoist local cautionary signal number three (r) three. Cyclone Remal: Another man dies on the way to shelter All fishing boats and trawlers over north bay have been advised to remain in shelter till tomorrow morning (28 may 2024) and then proceed with caution.

National carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines announced the suspension of its flights to Cox's Bazar for Sunday (May 26, 2024) due to Cyclonic storm Remal. Besides, flights of BG395 and BG391 to Kolkata will remain suspended on Sunday and Monday, respectively, said Bosra Islam, general manager of the Public Relations Wing of Biman Bangladesh Airlines. Cyclone Remal: Chittagong Port Authority issues alert 3 Earlier, Bangladesh Meteorological Department asked the Payra and Mongla maritime ports to hoist danger Signal 7 and danger Signal 6 for Cox's Bazar and Chattogram seaports. According to the BMD, the deep depression over east-central Bay and adjoining west-central Bay moved northwards, and intensified into a cyclonic storm "Remal" over northwest Bay and adjoining area on Saturday evening. Depression intensifies into cyclone:  Remal now on its way

A forest official was crushed under the wheels of a mini truck(dumper) during a drive against hill cutting at Harinmara in Cox’s Bazar early Sunday morning. The deceased was identified as Md Sajjaduzzaman, 30, in-charge of Dochari forest beat of Ukhiya range and a resident of Munshiganj’s Gajaria and the injured was driver Mohammad Ali. Siblings dead, parents wounded in bus-microbus collision in Mymensingh According to the forest department officials, Sajjad and Ali conducted a drive on information about cutting hill and colleting soil at Harinmara by a dumper. When the soil-laden dumper was obstructed by the forest officials, the dumper driver ran the vehicle over Sajjad, leaving him dead on the spot. Later, locals rescued injured Mohammad Ali and took him to Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital. Ukhiya range officer Gazi Shafiul Alam said, the owner of the dumper is Syed Karim and the driver was identified as Bappi. 23-year-old electrocuted in elephant trap in Sherpur The body was kept at Sadar Hospital morgue for autopsy, said Shamim Hossain, officer-in-charge of Ukhiya Police Station.  Meanwhile, forest officials expressed anger over the death of Sajjad and demanded formation of mobile courts for speedy trial of crimes comitted in the forest.

Amid the ongoing conflicts along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, five Rohingya people including a woman with bullet injuries, entered Bangladesh through Shah Porir Dwip jetty in Teknaf, Cox's Bazar. The intruders came here from Myanmar crossing the Naf River and arrived at Shah Porir Dwip Jetty Ghat in Teknaf around 4 pm, said Abdus Salam, UP member of ward number 9 of Teknaf Sabarang Union. 330 officials handed over to Myanmar Later, "We informed BGB members and they reached the spot," he added. However, no statement was received from Teknaf Border Guard BGB in this regard. Unidentified man’s body found along Bangladesh-Myanmar border in Cox’s Bazar

A two-day International  Oceanography Conference began in Cox's Bazar on Saturday. Speakers urged every country to come forward to take timely initiatives and proper planning and implementation to prevent pollution and protect the sea resources. Prepare action plan to bring fallow land under cultivation: Agri Minister Md Ali Hossain, Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology, inaugurated the conference as the chief guest. He said the government has taken various projects around the Bay of Bengal region. 513 students commit suicide across Bangladesh in 2023:Aachol Foundation The steps taken by the government for the development of the blue economy will benefit Bangladesh as well as regional countries, he said. Oceanographers from 12 countries and students from different universities took part in the two-day conference. As cold weather continues, Dhaka’s air quality still ‘unhealthy’

Political instability ahead of the national election appeared as a big blow to Bangladesh’s tourism sector as most popular tourist destinations including Cox's Bazar, St. Martin, and Kuakata see sharp drop in the number of visitors. With up to 90 percent of advance bookings canceled, the once-bustling establishments face unprecedented vacancies as people are reluctant to travel amid the countrywide ongoing blockades and hartals enforced by the BNP and some other like-minded opposition parties. Tourism industry insiders claimed they had to count losses worth Tk 1.5 thousand crore  in the last several weeks due to cancellation of advance bookings in hotels, motels, and resorts across tourist hotspots until mid-January. Women's participation in the tourism industry should be increased: Speakers Hotel and motel owners said prior to October, over 50-60 percent of rooms in more than 500 hotels and motels in Cox's Bazar were booked daily. However, recent weeks have witnessed a drastic decline in tourists, reducing the number from half a lakh to a mere 5-10 thousand. Most of the visitors are predominantly locals. Similar circumstances prevail in Kuakata and St. Martin. Hotel and motel owners expressed concern about the ripple effect on their employees, as business downturns force layoffs and hinder salary payments. President of the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), Shiblul Azam Qureshi, laments the impact on tourist spots like Cox's Bazar, St. Martin, Rangamati, and Kuakata. “Now is a critical period for the tourism sector. Bookings for November, December, January, and February—the prime tourist months—have been canceled,” he said.   He said Cox's Bazar, Kuakata, Sundarbans, Sylhet, Ratargul, Jaflong-Tamabil, Rangamati, and Patenga Beach, which should be bustling with tourists at this time, now lie empty. Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal should promote mutual tourism: PM Hasina He also said he has a hotel at St. Martin but its 90% rooms are lying vacant now. “With the tourism season typically starting in October and reaching its peak in November, the ongoing political unrest has resulted in nearly empty hotels and motels this month, with bookings canceled due to the blockade,” he said. Salim Newaz, General Secretary of  Cox's Bazar Hotel Motel Guest House Owners' Association, said over 500 hotels and motels are empty now due to the continuous blockade progrmame. 230 BGB platoons deployed on day 2 of blockade Mukhim Khan, general secretary of the Kalatali Marine Drive Road Hotel-Motel Owners' Association, estimated a staggering Tk 1000 to 1500 crore losses due to the prolonged blockade. He urged the concerned to keep tourist vehicles out of the purview of  hartals and blockades to salvage the tourism sector. Similarly, Motaleb Sharif, General Secretary of the Kuakata Hotel-Motel Owners’ Association, said, safety concern has led to widespread booking cancellations, as people are reluctant to embark on risky journeys with their families amidst political instability. 48-hour blockade: Miscreants set fire to 3 buses in Natore

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday (November 11, 2023) inaugurated the much-awaited 102-kilometre Chattogram-Cox's Bazar dual-gauge single railway line setting yet another milestone in the country's communication network. The southern region wore a festive look as she unveiled the new rail route (from Dohazari in Chattogram to Cox’s Bazar) for train movement at a ceremony at newly constructed Cox’s Bazar Railway Station.  The premier flagged off a train and then travelled by it from Cox’s Bazar Railway Station to Ramu Railway Station. Read: Oyster-shaped railway station adds greater tourist attraction to Cox’s Bazar She bought her own ticket from the counter of the railway station. She waved the green flag before boarding the train. She also blew the whistle signalling the start of the train. Addressing the inauguration programme, the prime minister said, “Today Cox's Bazar has been linked to the country's railway network.  I am really very delighted for being able to attend the inaugural ceremony physically, " she said. "I have kept my promise by inaugurating the railway. This was a longstanding demand of this region. This is a day of feeling proud," she said. Read: Railway Minister to inspect Dohazari-Cox's Bazar line before inauguration Talking to reporters during the train ride, the prime minister said that this train link will contribute a lot to country’s GDP and economy. “Transportation of goods, people and tourists will be expedited resulting in increase the GDP and more vibrant economy,” she said. She mentioned that Cox’s Bazar has the longest sandy sea beach in the world. “But we could not build this tourist spot up to the mark. We have to make sure that tourists can come here comfortably,” she said. PM Hasina said that apart of tourists conveyance the trade and commerce of this area have been given importance. “We are building a deep seaport, power station, building an economic zone here,” she said. She also mentioned that Bangladesh will be linked with trans Asian railway by this rail line. “This rail line will go to Ghumdhum from Ramu, later from Ghumdhum it will be linked with South and South East countries.” Read: Chinese-built railway opens via Bangladesh's Padma Bridge On her arrival at the venue, the prime minister was received by Railways Minister Md Nurul Islam Sujan and local MPs. Local artists greeted her with traditional songs and dances.  The railways minister presided over the programme. Asian Development Bank (ADB) country director for Bangladesh Ginting and Railways Ministry secretary Md Humayun Kabir also spoke at the event.

Major points of Cox’s Bazar town and two sides of the roads are now adorned with banners, festoons, and billboards to welcome Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who will address a public rally in the coastal town on Saturday . Sheikh Hasina, also the Awami League president, will inaugurate 15 projects and lay the foundation stones of four other projects. She will address a rally at 2:30 pm in Moheshkhali’s Matarbari. On Saturday morning, the premier will inaugurate the iconic oyster-shaped railway station in the Hajipara area of Jhelongja Union. Our main goal is to hold fair and neutral vote: PM Hasina According to the notification of the Deputy Commissioner, on this day, the prime minister will inaugurate 15 projects including railways and lay the foundation stones of 4 projects worth about Tk 88,000 crore. Of these 15 projects, nine are major projects and 6 are small. The projects to be inaugurated include railway line from Dohazari to Cox's Bazar, Matarbari Ultra Super Critical Coal-Fired Power Project, Matarbari Deep Sea Port Channel, Bridge over Bakkhali River, Connecting Kutubdia Island to National Grid through Submarine Cable, Ukhiya Waste to Power Generation Project, Technical Training Center in Ramu Upazila, expansion and development work of Chakaria Bir Mukti Joddha Shaheed Abdul Hamid Municipal Bus Terminal, Kutubdia Thanda Chowkidar Para RCC Girder Bridge, Gorakghata-Shaplapur Janatabazar Road in Maheshkhali, land filling of Water Development Board under Airport Development Project, Dam Construction Project, Eidgaon Jahanara Girls High School, Moheshkhali Yunuskhali High School, Ukhiya Ratna and Morichya Palong High School academic buildings. PM Hasina returns home from Saudi Arabia On the other hand, the projects to be laid foundation stones are-- 1st Terminal of Matarbari Deep Sea Port Channel, Teknaf Multipurpose Disaster Resilient Shelter cum Isolation Centre, RCC Girder Bridge Construction on Nanda Khali Road in Ramu, and Building Construction Project under Cub Scouting Expansion Scheme in District Primary Schools. Stringent measures have been taken by law enforcement agencies to ensure foolproof security. Cox’s Bazar District Awami League has taken all preparations to make this event successful. PM Hasina to leave Saudi Arabia for home tonight Mujibur Rahman, general secretary of District Awami League, said that several lakh people will gather in this public meeting. Adequate security measures have been taken by the concerned including the police administration. Meanwhile, on the occasion of the prime minister's arrival on Saturday, the Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of Cox's Bazar Md Shaheen Imran banned carrying and displaying all types of legal weapons in Cox's Bazar. He said that this measure has been taken to control law and order in the district and to ensure security during the PM's visit.

The trial run of a train on Dohazari-Cox's Bazar route is expected to be conducted on October 15 as 92 percent work on the railway route has been completed, said the project director. The trial run of the train will be conducted in presence of Railway Minister Md Nurul Islam Sujon, Mafizur Rahman, director of Dohazari--Cox's Bazar rail project told UNB on Thursday. The construction work of an iconic rail station, culvert, level crossing and highway crossing is almost finished, he said. The 102 kilometer Dohazari-Cox's Bazar rail project is almost finished and now it is ready for train movement, said Mafizur Rahman. “Already all preparations have been taken to conduct a trial run on the route and a locomotive with six bogies will run on the route first. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to inaugurate the rail route at the end of October. Later, the residents of Dhaka will enjoy the Dhaka-Cox’s Bazar rail route later,” he said. Read more: After 10 years of delay, Mongla-Khulna rail line likely to open in October According to the project officials, under the project a 102-km new dual gauge single railway line from Dohazari to Cox's Bazar has been built at a cost of Tk 18,000 crore. Already an Oyster-shaped international standard railway station has been built in Cox’s Bazar town and seven more stations from Dohazari to Cox’s Bazar were built while an overpass was also constructed to facilitate the movement of elephants and other wild animals as the rail line crosses a reserved forest area, said the project director. Besides, the repair work of the 450 meters of the trail tracks which was damaged due to the recent floods was done, he said. Rezaul Karim, president of Cox’s Bazar Tourist Traders Association, said the number of tourists could increase by three times with the launching of the rail route. Zahidul Islam, a resident of Cox’s Bazar, said the residents of the district have been deprived of the train services for long but the Dohazari-Cox's Bazar project will make their dream come true. Read more: Uttara to Motijheel in 38 mins once part of Metro Rail from Agargaon opens on Oct 20 Mohammad Shaheen Imran, deputy commissioner of Cox’s Bazar, said the project work is almost finished and if everything remains okay the trail run of train on the rail route will be conducted on October 15. 8 rail stations According to the project officials, there are eight stations along the 102-km railway including at Satkania, Lohagara, Chakaria, Dulahazara, Eidgaon, Ramu and Cox's Bazar Sadar. To facilitate this, three big bridges have been constructed on Sangu, Matamuhuri and Bakkhali rivers. Besides, 43 small bridges, 201 culverts and 144 level crossings have been constructed on the railway. A flyover was constructed in Keochia area of Satkania, and two highway crossings in Ramu and Cox's Bazar areas. An overpass of 50 metres and three underpasses were constructed for the movement of elephants and other wildlife. Dhaka-Cox's Bazar train service still a distant reality as project limps along