Israel keeps the pressure on Gaza as Qatar confirms truce talks

December 17, 2023

The Israeli army has continued to pound areas across the Gaza Strip to devastating effect as Qatar has confirmed that talks are once more under way to evaluate if a new truce can be reached. “Qatar affirmed its ongoing diplomatic efforts to renew the humanitarian pause and expressed hope for building upon the progress made […]Continue Reading

Myanmar rebels seize town from military junta despite China-backed ceasefire

December 17, 2023

Clashes have raged across Myanmar’s northern Shan state since the Arakan Army (AA), the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) launched a joint offensive late October, AFP reports. The three allied groups – known as the Three Brotherhood Alliance – say they have captured military positions and border Continue Reading

4 Rohingya photographers living in Bangladesh win 2023 Nansen Award

December 17, 2023

NEWS DESK Four Rohingya refugees living in Cox’s Bazar have been jointly recognised as the 2023 regional winners for Asia and the Pacific of the UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award. The storytellers – one of whom was born in Kutupalong camp to refugee parents, while the other three were forced to flee their country and find […]Continue Reading

US to increase resettled Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh in 2024

December 17, 2023

NEWS DESK The United States has recognized the Rohingya situation as a “priority” and pledged to continue to increase the number of Rohingyas, including those from Bangladesh, resettled through the USRAP in fiscal 2024. The US also encouraged third countries to expand Rohingya resettlement, said the US Department of State on Friday. New pledges from […]Continue Reading

Kaptai Sena Zone celebrates Victory Day, honours freedom fighters

December 17, 2023

KAPTAI CORRESPONDENT The Victory Day celebrations, organized by the Kaptai Army Zone (Atal 56), were held with great fervor as they honoured the valiant freedom fighters for their bravery. On the afternoon of Saturday, 16th December, at Shaheed Afzal Hall, a special ceremony was conducted. Here, 14 distinguished freedom fighters were recognized for their heroic […]Continue Reading

UPDF launches month-long market boycott in protest of leaders’ murders

December 15, 2023

STAFF REPORTER, KHAGRACHHARI In Khagrachhari, the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) Prasit group has launched a month-long boycott of the Panchari market, echoing a 2018 market boycott by the same group. The boycott, starting on Friday, is in response to the brutal murder of four leaders, including Bipul Chakma, a key figure in the Democratic […]Continue Reading

Security forces rescue 3 abducted UPDF leaders in Khagrachhari

December 15, 2023

STAFF REPORTER In a dramatic late-night operation, Bangladesh Army personnel have successfully rescued three leaders of the UPDF Prasit Group, who had been abducted by the Democratic faction of UPDF. The decisive operation, conducted around midnight in the Tarabonchhara area of Lathiban Union No. 4 in Panchhari Upazila, resulted in the safe rescue of UPDF […]Continue Reading

Huge arms cache recovered, four arrested in Ramu’s hills

December 13, 2023

COX’S BAZAR AND RAMU CORRESPONDENTS The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has uncovered an arms manufacturing facility in the secluded hills of Eidgarh in Cox’s Bazar’s Ramu. During the operation, four individuals, including two craftsmen involved in arms production, were apprehended. The arms facility was discovered in the early hours of Wednesday (13 December) on Continue Reading

Cox’s Bazar police rescue 24 Rohingyas while being trafficked to Malaysia

December 13, 2023

COX’S BAZAR, TEKNAF AND HNILA CORRESPONDENTS Police have rescued 24 Rohingyas – six children, six women and 12 men – from the coastal area of Teknaf in Cox’s Bazar during an attempt to illegally traffick them by sea to Malaysia. Inspector Md. Moshiur Rahman of the Baharchhara Police Investigation Center said that the operation was […]Continue Reading

Man held in Cox’s Bazar while smuggling fuel oil to Myanmar

December 13, 2023

HNILA CORRESPONDENT In an anti-smuggling drive in Cox’s Bazar, police have seized 1,500 litres of fuel oil and detained Md Harun, a 30-year-old suspected smuggler. Harun, from South Dail Para in the district’s Teknaf, was apprehended during the operation. The seizure and arrest occurred on Tuesday (December 12) near Marine Drive, south of Baharchhara Ghat […]Continue Reading