Latest news with #ArakanArmy
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Bangladesh recalls ambassador from Myanmar
Rohingya refugees gather for a rally marking the 6th anniversary of genocide day, in Ukhia on August 25, 2023. More than 1.2 million Rohingya are sheltering in Bangladesh. - AFP) DHAKA: Bangladesh has recalled its ambassador from Myanmar, a Bangladeshi foreign ministry official said on Thursday (May 29), after it acknowledged opening a communications line with a rebel army fighting its neighbour's military junta. Monowar Hossain, who had been serving in Myanmar's capital Naypyidaw since mid-2023, was told to return to Dhaka with immediate effect, said the official, describing it as an "administrative decision" without giving further reasons. Relations between Bangladesh and Myanmar have been strained by the Rohingya refugee crisis and border security concerns. A Myanmar junta spokesperson was not available for comment. More than 1.2 million Rohingya are sheltering in Bangladesh, with the UN warning that widespread hunger in western Rakhine state could trigger fresh displacement. Over 130,000 people are thought to have crossed in the past year, Bangladesh says. Bangladesh's National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman said last week that Dhaka has opened informal communication channels with the Arakan Army, an ethnic armed group active in Rakhine, to maintain border stability. Dhaka also remains engaged with the Myanmar junta to pursue a long-term solution to the Rohingya crisis, Rahman said, including potential support for a proposed UN-led humanitarian corridor in Rakhine. But Bangladesh's army opposes that. "The army will not be involved in any activity that compromises the country's security," Colonel Shafiqul Islam, a senior Bangladesh army official, told reporters this week, of the aid plan. - Reuters
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Bangladesh recalls ambassador from Myanmar
DHAKA (Reuters) -Bangladesh has recalled its ambassador from Myanmar, a Bangladeshi foreign ministry official said on Thursday, after it acknowledged opening a communications line with a rebel army fighting its neighbour's military junta. Monowar Hossain, who had been serving in Myanmar's capital Naypyidaw since mid-2023, was told to return to Dhaka with immediate effect, said the official, describing it as an "administrative decision" without giving further reasons. Relations between Bangladesh and Myanmar have been strained by the Rohingya refugee crisis and border security concerns. A Myanmar junta spokesperson was not available for comment. More than 1.2 million Rohingya are sheltering in Bangladesh, with the U.N. warning that widespread hunger in western Rakhine state could trigger fresh displacement. Over 130,000 people are thought to have crossed in the past year, Bangladesh says. Bangladesh's National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman said last week that Dhaka has opened informal communication channels with the Arakan Army, an ethnic armed group active in Rakhine, to maintain border stability. Dhaka also remains engaged with the Myanmar junta to pursue a long-term solution to the Rohingya crisis, Rahman said, including potential support for a proposed U.N.-led humanitarian corridor in Rakhine. But Bangladesh's army opposes that. "The army will not be involved in any activity that compromises the country's security," Colonel Shafiqul Islam, a senior Bangladesh army official, told reporters this week, of the aid plan.
Reuters
3 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Bangladesh recalls ambassador from Myanmar
DHAKA, May 29 (Reuters) - Bangladesh has recalled its ambassador from Myanmar, a Bangladeshi foreign ministry official said on Thursday, after it acknowledged opening a communications line with a rebel army fighting its neighbour's military junta. Monowar Hossain, who had been serving in Myanmar's capital Naypyidaw since mid-2023, was told to return to Dhaka with immediate effect, said the official, describing it as an "administrative decision" without giving further reasons. Relations between Bangladesh and Myanmar have been strained by the Rohingya refugee crisis and border security concerns. A Myanmar junta spokesperson was not available for comment. More than 1.2 million Rohingya are sheltering in Bangladesh, with the U.N. warning that widespread hunger in western Rakhine state could trigger fresh displacement. Over 130,000 people are thought to have crossed in the past year, Bangladesh says. Bangladesh's National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman said last week that Dhaka has opened informal communication channels with the Arakan Army, an ethnic armed group active in Rakhine, to maintain border stability. Dhaka also remains engaged with the Myanmar junta to pursue a long-term solution to the Rohingya crisis, Rahman said, including potential support for a proposed U.N.-led humanitarian corridor in Rakhine. But Bangladesh's army opposes that. "The army will not be involved in any activity that compromises the country's security," Colonel Shafiqul Islam, a senior Bangladesh army official, told reporters this week, of the aid plan.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Bangladesh Army, govt at odds on Myanmar corridor
In a press briefing held in Dhaka on May 26, a spokesperson for the Bangladesh Army said that the country's armed forces will not be party to decisions that may harm national security. The move comes as the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government has sought to create a humanitarian corridor connecting Chittagong to the Rakhine province in Myanmar, home to the persecuted Rohingya Muslims. The spokesperson, Lt. Col. Shafiqul Islam, signalled a divergence with the interim government's initiative, noting that the Army would 'not compromise' on the matter. 'The Army will not compromise on issues related to the corridor, national security, and national sovereignty. On August 5, 2024, the Army has coordinated with everyone for the sake of the country,' Lt. Col. Islam said. He also warned that stern action would be taken if attempts were made to organise mobs. This statement comes after Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman demanded that elections in Bangladesh be held in December this year, in a meeting with Commanding Officers on May 21. General Zaman said that the interim government had taken crucial decisions without consulting Bangladesh's armed forces. He opposed the creation of the corridor as 'unacceptable', citing fears that it may present national security challenges. The move would entail partnering with non-state actors such as the Arakan Army in a region notorious for the smuggling of arms and drugs. On May 21, Khalilur Rahman, the National Security Adviser to the interim government, said that it was 'not under pressure' from the U.S. or China to create the corridor but has discussed it with the United Nations. 'The UN Secretary-General inquired about Bangladesh's ability to provide aid to Rakhine. Bangladesh has informed the Arakan Army, through the UN, that aid distribution must be impartial and not used for military purposes,' he said in a press conference held at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka. 'Since all other aid delivery avenues are unviable due to conflict, Bangladesh turned out to be the only feasible option,' he added. The idea of a humanitarian corridor with Rakhine has evoked criticism from multiple stakeholders besides the Bangladesh Army, including from political leaders. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party expressed its support for the Army Chief, both for his opposition to the humanitarian corridor and his call for elections by December. 'He has spoken in support of democracy in Bangladesh,' said a BNP party member. The Hindu's Editorials The Hindu's Daily Quiz Which filmmaker won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival for the revenge thriller It Was Just an Accident? Sean Baker Quentin Tarantino Christopher Nolan Jafar Panahi To know the answer and to play the full quiz, click here.
Scoop
6 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
UN Warns Of ‘Catastrophic' Human Rights Crisis In Myanmar As Violence And Economic Collapse Deepen
26 May 2025 Published ahead of the Human Rights Council's upcoming session, the report highlighted the worsening situation since the military coup in 2021, which derailed Myanmar's democratic transition and ignited widespread armed resistance. In the years since, military forces have targeted civilian populations with airstrikes, artillery bombardments and other forms of violence, while anti-military armed groups have gained ground, particularly in Rakhine state. ' The country has endured an increasingly catastrophic human rights crisis marked by unabated violence and atrocities that have affected every single aspect of life,' said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. Grim toll The report documents a grim toll: military operations killed more civilians in 2024 than in any previous year since the coup. In Rakhine, the Arakan Army seized control of most of the state, displacing tens of thousands, while Rohingya civilians were caught between warring factions, facing killings, torture, arbitrary arrests and widespread destruction of villages. Some Rohingya armed groups have also been drawn into the conflict, according to reports. Economic crisis deepening The escalating violence has had a cascading effect on Myanmar's economy, worsening already dire humanitarian conditions. Myanmar's economy has lost an estimated $93.9 billion since the coup, with the gross domestic product (GDP) not expected to recover to pre-pandemic levels before 2028. Inflation has surged, the kyat has lost 40 per cent of its value, and over half the population now lives below the poverty line, facing food insecurity and soaring prices. The March earthquakes further exacerbated the crisis, leaving thousands more displaced, homeless and without basic services. Military control of revenue Meanwhile, the military continues to control key revenue sources, including the central bank and state-owned enterprises, particularly in the extractive sector. While targeted international sanctions slowed some revenue streams, the junta has maintained its financial lifelines through forced currency conversion, import restrictions, and a crackdown on informal money transfers. Myanmar has also become the world's largest producer of opium and synthetic drugs, with transnational criminal networks thriving under military rule. Multifaceted approach needed The report urged a multifaceted response to the crisis, including urgent humanitarian support, cross-border aid for displaced populations and increased political engagement with Myanmar's democratic forces and emerging governance structures. It also emphasised the need for accountability through international justice mechanisms, including a referral of the situation to the International Criminal Court (ICC). The report also identified key 'constituents for change' in the country's future – women, youth, ethnic minorities, civil society and pro-democracy actors – and highlighted the work of communities who have established local institutions and forms of governance, often with increased participation from women. Hopes for a peaceful future The report underscored the importance of planning for the day-after, ensuring human rights are central to a future Myanmar – from rebuilding systems to restoring fundamental freedoms. ' There are strong, resourceful and principled individuals and groups rallying and creating the conditions for an inclusive and democratic future,' High Commissioner Türk said. ' They are a shining example of hope for a peaceful future. ' The report will be formally presented to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on 1 July.
