Bangladesh’s Rohingya refugees see new hope post-Hasina
Hasina, praised internationally in 2017 for opening the borders to around 750,000 Rohingya escaping a Myanmar military crackdown, is now under investigation by the UN for genocide.
Shonjida
By Eastern EyeOct 03, 2024
ROHINGYA refugee Shonjida has endured years of hardship, boredom, and violence in Bangladesh, but last month’s overthrow of ex-premier Sheikh Hasina has brought her renewed hope.
Around a million stateless and persecuted Rohingya Muslims live in sprawling refugee camps in Bangladesh, after fleeing violence in Myanmar. Hasina, praised internationally in 2017 for opening the borders to around 750,000 Rohingya escaping a Myanmar military crackdown, is now under investigation by the UN for genocide.
Since then, life in the camps has deteriorated, with widespread malnutrition and frequent gunfights. Many hope Hasina’s ousting will bring attention back to their plight. “We and our children live in fear at night because of the shootings,” said 42-yearold Shonjida, who teaches at one of the few informal learning centres for children in the camp.
These centres serve only a fraction of the camp’s population, as Rohingya refugees are barred from attending Bangladeshi schools, universities, and jobs.
Many of her students are undernourished because declining international aid has forced successive ration cuts.
And they are terrified by the sound of rival militant groups battling for control of the camps, with more than 60 refugees killed in clashes this year, according to media reports.
“We want peace and no more gunfire. We want our children to not be scared anymore,” Shonjida said. “Now that the new government is in power, we hope it will give us peace, food and safety.”
Hasina was toppled last month in a student-led uprising that forced her to flee into exile in neighbouring India, moments before thousands of people stormed her palace in the capital Dhaka.
The revolution brought down the curtain on a 15-year rule marred by extrajudicial killings of her opponents, press restrictions and crackdowns on civil society. Her decision to welcome Rohingya fleeing Myanmar won her some diplomatic reprieve from Washington and other Western capitals, who otherwise issued regular rebukes on abuses committed during her tenure.
But her government’s struggles to accommodate the refugees in the following years were also the subject of regular criticism by rights groups.
It relocated at least 36,000 Rohingya to the previously uninhabited and cyclone-prone island of Bhashan Char to ease overcrowding in the camps.
Many of those sent there said they were forced to go against their will, with one refugee describing their new home to Human Rights Watch as “an island jail in the middle of the sea”.
The desperate situation in the camps also prompted thousands to embark upon dangerous sea trips to find new refuge in Southeast Asian countries, with many drowning at sea.
Shonjida teaching at a school in a refugee camp in Ukhia
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, who is leading an interim government ahead of fresh elections, began his tenure last month by promising to continue supporting the Rohingya. Many refugees said they had been encouraged by the initial weeks of the 84-year-old’s administration.
“We saw on Facebook and YouTube that many of our community leaders had spoken with them and met with t h e m , ” communit y leader Hamid Hossain, 48, told AFP. “I am more hopeful now.”
But Yunus also said that Bangladesh needed “the sustained efforts of the international community” to look after the Rohingya.
This week he travelled to the United States and lobbied for more foreign aid for the group, with the State Department announcing nearly $200 million in additional funding after Yunus sat for a private meeting with President Joe Biden.
Yunus has also called for accelerated resettlement of Rohingya in third countries, with the prospect of refugees being safely returned to their original homes looking slimmer than ever.
The Rohingya endured decades of discrimination in Myanmar, where successive governments classified them as illegal immigrants despite their long history in the country. Hasina’s government and Myanmar made several abortive plans to establish a repatriation scheme, opposed by refugees who did not want to return home without guarantees.
The security situation has worsened dramatically since last year. Rohingya-majority communities in Myanmar have been the site of intense clashes between the military and a rebel army battling the country’s junta. “There are killings there,” refugee Mohammad Johar, 42, told AFP. “How can we go back?”
FILE PHOTO: Bangladesh's former prime minister Sheikh Hasina addresses the media at a vandalized metro station in Mirpur, after the anti-quota protests. (Photo by -/Bangladesh Prime Minister's Office/AFP via Getty Images)
BANGLADESH's former chief election commissioner K M Nurul Huda has been arrested on charges of manipulating elections during his tenure, police said.
Dhaka metropolitan police’s deputy commissioner Mohidul Islam said Huda was arrested in the case filed by former prime minister Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) against the former election commission chief and 18 others, including deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
Election Commission officials said this was probably the first time that a former CEC has been detained over issues related to elections, the Daily Star newspaper reported.
Earlier in the day, the 77-year-old, who oversaw the elections in 2014, 2018 and 2024, was assaulted by a mob outside his Uttara residence.
Uttara West police station chief Hafizur Rahman said, "We went to the scene after being informed" that a mob has surrounded Huda. We have brought him into our custody.”
Another police officer said the mob raided Huda’s residence located at Uttara area in Dhaka and dragged him out of his house before the arrival of police.
Videos circulating on social media show a group of people thrashing Huda with shoes, garlanding him with footwear, and throwing eggs at him from close proximity.
In the videos, the mob was seen abusing him with filthy language and continuing to beat him even after the police arrived at the scene.
Huda would spend the night at the police’s detective branch office and would be produced before a court for consequent legal actions, he said.
The BNP filed a case against 19 people, including Huda, for conducting general elections in 2014, 2018 and 2024 under Hasina regime "without people's mandate". Hasina had won all these elections.
The assault of Huda triggered an uproar on social media, prompting chief advisor Muhammad Yunus’ interim government to issue a statement around midnight.
“The mob-created unruly situation and the physical assault on the accused has drawn the government's attention. The government urges citizens not to take the law into their hands," the statement said.
It also warned of appropriate actions against such people.
Most senior leaders of the Awami League and ministers and senior officials of the ousted regime were arrested or fled the country after the fall of the then government.
Several of these leaders, including ministers, in the past several months have come under mob attack, particularly on court premises.
Bangladesh’s founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's residence at 32 Dhanmandi in Dhaka, which was turned into a memorial museum, was demolished by a mob using bulldozers in February this year.
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Garavi Gujarat
Publications Ltd and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.
PAKISTANI politicians and citizens are demanding their government withdraw its nomination of US president Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace prize, following American airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Pakistan's deputy prime minister and foreign minister Ishaq Dar sent a formal letter to the Nobel Peace Prize committee in Norway last Friday (20), recommending Trump for the prestigious award.
The decision has come under intense scrutiny after the US bombed three Iranian nuclear sites - Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz - in coordination with Israel. The strikes were aimed at damaging Iran's nuclear programme, with Trump warning of additional attacks if Iran retaliated.
Veteran politician Maulana Fazlur Rehman, leader of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F), has called for the government to reverse its decision.
"President Trump's claim of peace has proven to be false; the proposal for the Nobel Prize should be withdrawn," Fazl told party workers in Murree on Sunday (22).
He questioned how Trump could be considered a peacemaker when he has "supported Israeli attacks on Palestine, Syria, Lebanon and Iran" and has "the blood of Afghans and Palestinians on America's hands".
Former senator Mushahid Hussain wrote on social media that Pakistan's government "must now review, rescind and revoke" Trump's Nobel nomination, calling the US president a leader "who has willfully unleashed an illegal war".
Opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) condemned the "unprovoked" US strikes on Iran and voiced "total support" for Iranian sovereignty. PTI lawmaker Ali Muhammad Khan called for the government to "reconsider" its decision. Public Criticism and Embarrassment
The nomination has sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many Pakistanis accusing their government of trying to please the US at the expense of national dignity.
Former senator Afrasiab Khattak called the decision "sycophancy" and said it was "most embarrassing to announce the nomination hours before Trump ordered to bomb Iranian nuclear sites".
Pakistan's former US ambassador Maleeha Lodhi described the move as "unfortunate" and said it did not reflect public opinion.
Political analyst Raheeq Abbasi sarcastically noted that Pakistan had nominated "the very Donald Trump whom Westerners were protesting against for war crimes" and questioned whether there was "any sense of honour or humanity" in those responsible for the decision.
The criticism has extended beyond the civilian government to Pakistan's military leadership. Some politicians suggested the decision was influenced by Trump's recent meeting with Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir.
Social media users have accused the military establishment of making decisions without public consultation, with one calling them "uncrowned kings" ready to "sell out the nation whenever they please".
Trump had campaigned as a "peacemaker" who would use his negotiating skills to end conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. However, both wars continue to rage five months into his presidency, and critics argue his recent actions contradict his peace-making claims.
UK's hottest day of the year recorded on Saturday at 33.2°C in Charlwood
Amber heat-health alert remains in effect until Monday morning
Sunday brought fresher conditions with showers and lower humidity
Week ahead will be unsettled, with rain and brief warm spells
Train passengers were evacuated during Saturday’s extreme heat
Heat gives way to fresher, unsettled conditions
Following a spell of extreme heat, wind and rain have moved in across the UK, bringing relief and lower temperatures. Saturday saw the hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures reaching 33.2°C (91.8°F) in Charlwood, near Gatwick.
By Sunday, the weather turned fresher with scattered showers and sunshine for most areas. Humidity levels dropped, and temperatures were significantly lower than the day before.
Amber alert remains in place
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued an amber heat-health alert for England last Thursday, which remains in place until 09:00 BST on Monday. The alert warns that health and social care services may be “significantly” impacted, particularly with increased demand and health risks for older people and those with pre-existing conditions.
To meet the Met Office’s heatwave criteria, specific threshold temperatures must be recorded for at least three consecutive days. In Suffolk, this was reached on Thursday, marking the first area to do so during the recent heat spell.
Mixed weather expected this week
The upcoming week is forecast to remain unsettled, with a mix of rain and sunshine. A weather front is expected to move in from the west on Monday evening, making for a damp end to the day.
Monday is likely to bring fewer showers and more sunshine, but Tuesday could see some patchy rain. On Wednesday, muggy air arriving from France may trigger heavy rain and thunderstorms later in the day and overnight. By Thursday, conditions are expected to improve in the south, though more wet and windy weather is forecast for northern areas.
Rail disruption during peak heat
On Saturday, passengers on trains in south London had to be evacuated after a fault near Loughborough Junction halted services. With no power or air conditioning during extreme heat, emergency services from Sussex and Kent were deployed to assist in safely evacuating passengers along the track, according to Thameslink and National Rail.
The International Siddhashram Shakti Centre UK marked International Yoga Day with a spiritual and interfaith gathering at House of Commons. The event reflected the global theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” and was led by HH Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji, global Sanatan Dharma and interfaith leader.
The programme began with a minute’s silence for the victims of the Air India tragedy, followed by prayers from Guruji, Pujya Rishi Ji Maharaj, Shri Niranjan Swami, and Pandit Shiv Puri Ji, with a Navkar Mahamantra chant by Samani Malay Pragya Ji and Neeti Pragya Ji.
Bob Blackman MP praised yoga as “India’s gift to the world” and acknowledged Guruji’s leadership in bringing wellness into public life, including the NHS.
In his keynote, Guruji said: “Yoga is a sacred discipline that unites body, mind and soul. It brings balance, builds confidence, and fosters harmony.” He also led breathing exercises, underlining yoga’s role in modern wellbeing.
A special honour was presented to Pujya Rishi Ji Maharaj for his service to Sanatan Dharma and youth engagement.
Cultural performances by Chittal Shah’s team, reflections from young voices like Vanisha, Kavya, and Giya, and contributions from international guests including Mahendra and Prya Ramcharan added depth to the event. Representatives from the NHS, British Army, and faith groups also spoke on yoga’s relevance.
Keep ReadingShow less
People attend a protest against the US attack on nuclear sites, amid the Iran-Israel conflict, in Tehran. (Photo: Reuters)
IRAN on Monday warned of “serious” consequences following US air strikes on its nuclear facilities, as its ongoing conflict with Israel entered the 11th day.
Despite international calls for de-escalation, aerial attacks continued. Air raid sirens were heard across Israel, and AFP reporters confirmed several blasts over Jerusalem.
The Israeli military said it had hit missile sites in western Iran and destroyed fighter jets and helicopters at six Iranian regime airports.
US president Donald Trump said American warplanes used “bunker buster” bombs to strike facilities in Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz. “Obliteration is an accurate term,” he said, claiming the attacks had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Other officials said it was too early to assess the full extent of the damage to Iran’s nuclear programme, which is seen by Israel and some Western countries as a key threat.
Iran calls strike a hostile act
Iran’s armed forces spokesman Ebrahim Zolfaghari said on state TV that the US “hostile act”, which followed over a week of Israeli bombardments, would lead to a broader conflict.
“The fighters of Islam will inflict serious, unpredictable consequences on you with powerful and targeted (military) operations,” he said.
Oil prices jumped over four per cent early Monday as markets reacted to the escalation. China called on both Iran and Israel to prevent the conflict from widening.
Oman, a mediator in stalled nuclear talks between Iran and the US, condemned the American strikes and appealed for calm.
Iran’s foreign ministry accused the US of undermining diplomatic efforts. “Future generations will not forget that the Iranians were in the middle of a diplomatic process with a country that is now at war with us,” ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said.
Britain, France and Germany jointly urged Iran to avoid any further actions that could destabilise the region.
Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called Israel’s bombing campaign, launched on June 13, “a big mistake”.
US issues alert as tensions rise
US secretary of state Marco Rubio urged China to help prevent Iran from closing the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of the world’s oil flows.
With Iran threatening US bases in the region, the State Department issued a global alert for Americans overseas.
In central Tehran, protesters gathered on Sunday waving flags and chanting against US and Israeli strikes.
In Semnan province, east of Tehran, 46-year-old housewife Samireh told AFP she was “truly shocked” by the attacks. “Semnan province is very far from the nuclear facilities targeted, but I'm very concerned for the people who live near,” she said.
Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian said the US strikes showed Washington was backing Israel in its campaign against Iran and promised a response.
Trump hints at regime change
The Pentagon said the US did not intend to overthrow Iran’s government, but Trump made comments suggesting otherwise.
"It's not politically correct to use the term, 'Regime Change,'" he wrote on Truth Social. "But if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn't there be a Regime change???"
He later repeated his claim of success. “Monumental Damage was done to all Nuclear sites in Iran, as shown by satellite images. Obliteration is an accurate term!” he wrote, without releasing any images.
Top US general Dan Caine said in a Pentagon briefing that all three sites had suffered “extremely severe damage”.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would stop its attacks once its goals were met. “We are very, very close to completing them,” he said.
IAEA calls for restraint
According to Iran’s health ministry, more than 400 people have died in Israeli strikes on Iran. Iran’s attacks on Israel have killed 24 people, according to official figures.
Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, told the UN Security Council that craters were visible at the Fordo facility but said it was not yet possible to assess underground damage. “Armed attacks on nuclear facilities should never take place,” he said.
Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi, scheduled to meet Russian president Vladimir Putin on Monday, said the US had chosen to “blow up” nuclear diplomacy by joining the war.
Russia condemned the US and Israeli strikes but has not offered military support. It has also downplayed its commitments under a recent strategic agreement with Iran.
Russia, China and Pakistan circulated a draft resolution in the UN Security Council calling for an “immediate ceasefire” in Iran.