Four years after seizing power from the elected administration, the head of the military government declared Myanmar will hold a general election within 10 months, state-run media reported Saturday. Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing said Friday the election will take place either in December or January 2026 at the latest, according to the Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper. He announced the dates in a press conference while on an official visit to Belarus, one of the few allies of Myanmar’s military government, saying that 53 political parties have already submitted their lists to participate in the election. However, Min Aung did not mention exact election dates. The announcement comes as Myanmar is roiled by a civil war in which the army has been forced onto the defensive against pro-democracy militants as well as ethnic militias seeking autonomy in much of the country. North Korea unveils nuclear-powered submarine for the first time The army takeover from Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government in February 2021 has been met with widespread popular opposition, triggering armed resistances, and large parts of the country are embroiled in conflict. The ruling military has since said an election was the primary goal but has repeatedly pushed back the date. The plan for a general election is widely seen as an attempt to normalize the military’s seizure of power through the ballot box and to deliver a result that ensures the generals retain control. Critics have already said the military-planned election will be neither free nor fair because there is no free media and most of the leaders of Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party have been arrested. Suu Kyi, 79, is serving prison sentences totaling 27 years after being convicted in a series of politically tainted prosecutions brought by the military. The country’s current security situation poses a serious challenge to holding elections, with the military believed to control less than half the country. The military government had previously said the election would be prioritized in areas under its command. In October, the military attempted a census that it said was to compile voter lists for a general election, but data from only 145 of 330 townships was successfully gathered. In a published report, the military government said the areas where the census could not be completed included towns controlled by ethnic armed forces and pro-democracy guerrillas. The National Unity Government or NUG, Myanmar's main opposition organization, said it intended to prevent the military-held election through nonviolent means.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi has said a dignified, voluntary, safe and sustainable return to Myanmar remains the primary solution to the Rohingya crisis. Efforts to achieve this goal by helping create conditions for return to the areas of origin of the refugees, and the peaceful coexistence of communities living there, must be stepped up and supported, he said during his recent visit to Bangladesh. “Bangladesh has been an extraordinary host since the onset of the crisis, with local communities having shared the few resources they had with refugees,” said Grandi. He underscored UNHCR’s unwavering commitment to supporting over 1 million Rohingya refugees hosted in Bangladesh as he completed a four-day visit to the country on Sunday. In a meeting with Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, Grandi commended the people of Bangladesh for their generosity in hosting the refugees for nearly eight years. Visiting the Kutupalong refugee camps near Cox’s Bazar, Grandi urged the international community to provide sustained financial support for the refugees, who live in highly challenging circumstances – vulnerable to natural disasters and almost entirely reliant on humanitarian aid for their basic needs. “With the passing of time and in the absence of a solution for Rohingya refugees for now, mobilizing resources remains both challenging and a priority,” Grandi said, urging partners not to forget Rohingya refugees. “If international support decreases dramatically – which may happen – the huge work done by the Bangladesh government, aid agencies and refugees themselves will be seriously impacted, putting thousands at risk of hunger, disease and insecurity.” Bangladesh seeks Philippines' support for Asean partnership, Rohingya crisis solution In Cox’s Bazar, the High Commissioner spoke to refugees who had recently arrived in the camps after fleeing the ongoing violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine State. Intense conflict there in recent times has worsened the plight of the Rohingya, leaving many with no choice but to risk the journey to safety in Bangladesh. Grandi also sat down with community-based groups like imams, female religious teachers, and a group of mothers concerned about the violence in the camps. With few prospects for meaningful self-development and self-reliance, violence, crime, and other security issues have risen in the community. “All shared with me their longing to return to their homes, when the conditions for return are safe and allow for voluntary sustainable repatriation,” he said. “It is very important to support Bangladesh’s efforts to maintain security in the camps. We must also continue programmes for the most vulnerable, particularly women who have survived violence, and help young people to gain skills and resilience.” Speaking to young refugees at a skills training centre, the High Commissioner remarked on the need to strengthen livelihood and development opportunities inside the camps, where 52 per cent of the population are under 18. “They are trying to acquire skills, to get an education,” Grandi said. “They are trying to utilize the talents that they have to serve their community. If international assistance dwindles, their horizon becomes further limited. We must do our best to keep their hopes alive.” The camps in Cox’s Bazar and on the island of Bhasan Char are, like the communities that host them, highly susceptible to cyclones, flooding, landslides and other weather shocks, including the risk of fire. Having witnessed the devastating consequences of a major landslide on the refugees, Grandi highlighted the need for core support for disaster risk reduction during meetings with Government partners. This is the High Commissioner’s sixth visit to the country. It comes as UNHCR, together with the Government of Bangladesh and other humanitarian partners, prepares to launch the 2025 Joint Response Plan detailing the humanitarian needs of Rohingya refugees and their host communities. Dr Yunus calls for making int'l conference on Rohingya crisis a big success In recent years, funding has remained a critical challenge, with previous response plans being insufficiently funded. “Nowhere more than in the Cox’s Bazar camps is the life-saving role of humanitarian aid clear,” Grandi said in a post on X reflecting on his visit.

A crackdown on online scam centers has left over 7,000 people stranded in a Myanmar border town, awaiting repatriation. The mass operation, coordinated by Thailand, Myanmar, and China, is putting a strain on Thailand’s resources and delaying the process, reports AP.  The crackdown follows Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s recent visit to Beijing, where she assured Chinese leader Xi Jinping that Thailand would act against scam networks exploiting people worldwide through fraudulent investment schemes, romance scams, and illegal gambling. Many victims were lured under false pretenses and forced into scam operations, often in conditions resembling slavery.  Thai, Myanmar, and Chinese officials plan to meet next week to discuss logistical challenges, as concerns grow over a potential humanitarian crisis. The goal is to set clear repatriation guidelines, Thai Defense Ministry spokesperson Thanathip Sawangsang said.  85 Bangladeshis among 598 immigrants detained in Myanmar In an effort to dismantle the scam centers, Thailand has also cut off electricity, internet, and gas to several Myanmar border areas, citing national security.  Amy Miller, Southeast Asia director of aid group Act of Mercy International, described the scale of the release as unprecedented. She acknowledged Thai authorities' efforts but noted that managing the situation requires international cooperation. “Housing, feeding, and processing such a large number is overwhelming for any government,” she said, urging home countries to take responsibility.  Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on Tuesday acknowledged concerns over potential security risks if repatriation is delayed. Verification of identities remains a key challenge, a diplomatic source said.  Over half of those stranded are Chinese nationals. Last week, China repatriated more than 600 people via 16 chartered flights. Earlier this month, around 260 individuals from 20 countries, including Ethiopia, Brazil, and the Philippines, crossed into Thailand for processing. Over 100 remain in Thai custody.  Mae Sot, a key transit point for trafficking victims, is now at the center of repatriation efforts. Checkpoints along the route warn travelers in Thai, English, and Chinese about trafficking risks, while security forces conduct vehicle checks and verify identifications.

China has started repatriating over 1,000 of its nationals who were involved in online scam operations in eastern Myanmar. The workers were recently rescued and transferred across the border into Thailand before being flown back to China on chartered flights.  Authorities from Thailand, China, and Myanmar have been collaborating for weeks to dismantle these scam centres, which have defrauded people globally of billions through fraudulent investment schemes, fake romantic relationships, and illegal gambling activities, AP reports. It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of individuals, including many who were misled into accepting jobs under false pretences, have been exploited in similar operations across Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos.  Thai officials recently said that up to 10,000 individuals may be repatriated from Myanmar as part of the crackdown on these scam networks. To manage the large number of Chinese nationals—so far estimated at 1,041—Thailand has delegated most of the processing and investigations to Chinese authorities.  On Thursday, officials reported that groups of 50 workers were being escorted across a bridge from Myanmar’s Myawaddy to Mae Sot in Thailand. Upon arrival, they underwent biometric scans before being transported by bus to Mae Sot’s airport. There, China Southern Airlines flights departed for Jinghong, located in Yunnan province, as confirmed by flight tracking data.  China's Xi and Thailand's leader vow to crack down on scam networks that plague Southeast Asia Thailand is also coordinating the evacuation and processing of scam centre workers from other countries. Last week, approximately 260 individuals from 20 nations—many from Africa—were transferred from Myanmar into Thai custody. Thai PBS reported that the repatriation of non-Chinese workers will commence on Sunday.  During her recent visit to Beijing, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra assured Chinese President Xi Jinping that her country would intensify efforts to shut down scam networks. Just before her visit, Thai authorities cut off essential services such as electricity, internet, and gas to scam centre locations along the Myanmar border, citing national security concerns and the negative impact on Thailand’s reputation. 

A Chinese actor who disappeared after traveling to Thailand and was found near the border of Myanmar in an area where online scam networks operate was a victim of human trafficking, Thai police said Wednesday. Chinese state-owned newspaper The Global Times reported Monday that the family of Wang Xing requested help from the Chinese Embassy in Thailand after the actor went missing at the Thailand-Myanmar border. Authorities found Wang on Tuesday in Myanmar and brought him to Thailand for questioning, Thai police said. Photos and videos showed Wang sitting with the police in the Thai border town of Mae Sot with his head shaved. Wang told the police that he was lured by a promise of a job casting by a major Thai entertainment company, but instead was taken across the border into Myanmar, where police believe he was put to work in a call scam operation targeting Chinese people, said Senior Inspector General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot. Salman Khan's Galaxy apartment undergoes security enhancements amid threats The area is known as a haven for criminal syndicates who have forced hundreds of thousands of people in Southeast Asia into participating in online scams including false romantic ploys, bogus investment pitches and illegal gambling schemes. Many of the victims are trapped in virtual slavery. There also are allegations of drug trafficking. An initial review of chat logs on Wang's phone confirmed his story, Thatchai told the Thai PBS TV. He said Wang told police there were about 50 other Chinese at the same location. Like him, all had their heads shaved, he told police. He said he was too scared to resist or try to escape. Criminal activity has flourished in border areas of military-ruled Myanmar, where fighting has pitted armed ethnic groups against the army for decades. Chinese authorities have said they had cracked down on criminal syndicates in joint operations with neighboring countries that led to thousands of people being returned to China, but those campaigns did not include arrests of ring leaders in Myanmar. Chinese investors operate casino complexes in what amounts to autonomous development zones in cooperation with Myanmar's Border Guard Force, a militia belonging to the ethnic Karen minority. Wang’s disappearance received attention after an internet user who claimed to be his girlfriend posted about it on Chinese social media, according to The Global Times. Wang has featured in popular Chinese TV dramas. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Tuesday said the government was working as best it could to mitigate any impact the case might have on the reputation of Thailand as a safe tourist destination.

The ongoing civil war in Myanmar, now spanning over three years, has provided an opportunity for drug cartels to thrive, with Shan State emerging as a major hub for illicit narcotics production. This situation poses a significant threat to neighbouring Bangladesh, which is increasingly becoming a key destination for these dangerous drugs. According to the Department of Narcotics Control, the largest shipments of Yaba (methamphetamine tablets) entering Bangladesh are sourced from Myanmar's Shan State. Alongside Yaba, the region has become a hotspot for the production of other potent drugs, including crystal meth (ice) and heroin. Although the spread of ice in Bangladesh was once rare, recent reports indicate a surge in seizures by law enforcement agencies. In one of the most recent instances, in November last year, Bangladesh's Coast Guard seized one kilogram of crystal meth, worth approximately Tk 5 crore, from Shahporir Island in Teknaf. Earlier in August, large consignments of Yaba and ice, worth Tk 21 crore, were intercepted by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) along the Teknaf and Naikhong border areas. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reports that Myanmar has ascended to the top of global opium production in 2024. Poppy flowers, which grow on the slopes of Shan State’s mountains, are used to produce heroin, while nearly fifty factories in the region manufacture Yaba and ice. While 37 Yaba production factories were previously identified in Myanmar, the number has more than doubled in recent years due to the ongoing conflict. Shan State shares borders with China, Thailand and Laos, and drug production thrives in this region due to a steady supply of raw materials such as methamphetamine and caffeine from the Golden Triangle. Read more: Rampant use of antibiotic drugs causing health hazards Besides, ephedrine, a key ingredient in the production of ice, is largely sourced from China. The growing network of drug factories in Shan State reflects the extent to which the region has become a major illicit narcotics hub. Recent reports from The New York Times describe Shan State as a central node for warlords, smugglers, and drug traffickers. Despite being initially hindered by local and central government forces, drug cartels in the region have flourished, partly due to bribes and the weakening of governmental authority in the wake of civil unrest. Armed insurgent groups have also capitalised on the drug trade to fund their operations. In interviews with the media, drug dealers revealed that while the government and military had previously posed obstacles, the collapse of the state apparatus has allowed these illegal operations to flourish. According to them, the insurgent groups operating in the region rely heavily on profits from the drug trade to sustain their armed activities. With the market growing, competition between traffickers has intensified, leading to a drop in prices. For instance, while a can of beer costs around 10 US dollars, a single Yaba tablet can be bought for as little as 25 cents. Bangladesh’s Struggle with Drug Proliferation The spread of narcotics in Bangladesh has been accelerating since 2006, when the price of Yaba was over 1,200 Tk per tablet. The price has since plummeted, with current rates ranging from 100 to 120 Tk per tablet in Cox's Bazar, and between 200 to 250 Tk in Dhaka. The Narcotics Control Department and law enforcement agencies are facing increasing challenges in curbing the trade, which predominantly flows into the country through the Teknaf border. According to Khondokar Mostafizur Rahman, Director General of the Narcotics Control Department, the vast majority of Yaba entering Bangladesh is sourced from Myanmar. "The drug trade is flourishing, and we are struggling to control it," he said. The department’s intelligence reports reveal several hotspots in Dhaka for Yaba trade, including railway stations, bus terminals, and launch ghats. Areas such as Mohammadpur’s Geneva Camp, Mirpur Kalshi, Old Dhaka, Kamrangirchar, and Karwan Bazar are also identified as active drug hubs. In addition to Yaba, there has been a rise in the circulation of ice in affluent areas of the capital, including Gulshan, Banani, and Uttara. Some dealers are even selling ice online, further complicating enforcement efforts. Despite the growing concern, many people mistakenly believe that heroin use has declined in the country due to the widespread availability of Yaba and cannabis. But the Department of Narcotics Control reports that heroin is once again gaining traction. Since Myanmar’s opium production has increased, heroin shipments to Bangladesh have also surged. Traffickers are now using India as a route to bypass direct shipments through the Teknaf border, further complicating enforcement efforts. Read more: RAB arrests 2 siblings with drugs in Brahmanbaria In 2020, the department seized 210 kilograms of heroin, but by 2023, that number had jumped to over 700 kilograms. In just the first half of 2024, more than 357 kilograms of heroin were seized. The Path Forward Experts argue that despite repeated calls for zero tolerance, the government has not taken enough decisive action to curb the spread of narcotics. According to UNODC research, only 10% of the drugs entering a country are intercepted by law enforcement. In Bangladesh’s case, due to its proximity to Myanmar, it has become a hotspot for drug proliferation. Dr. Touhidul Haque, Associate Professor at Dhaka University and an expert in criminology, noted that the actual amount of narcotics entering Bangladesh is likely even higher than the UNODC estimate. "Drugs have become far more accessible than before. When narcotics become easier to obtain, their spread becomes inevitable," he said. To effectively combat the issue, experts recommend heightened vigilance along Bangladesh’s border with Myanmar, with an emphasis on preventing the entry of yaba, ice, and heroin into the country.

The United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Canada and other countries said they continue to support calls for "genuine, constructive, and inclusive" dialogue to find a peaceful solution to the situation in Myanmar and a return to the path of inclusive democracy. In a joint statement, the High Representative on behalf of the European Union and the governments of the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland, Timor-Leste, and the United Kingdom called for addressing the human rights and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar. The countries reiterated their full support for ASEAN’s central role in finding a resolution to the crisis, including the work of the ASEAN Chair and Special Envoy, consistent with the Five Point Consensus, and acknowledged the important role of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Myanmar. Commerce Adviser urges Pakistan to import more Bangladeshi products The reports of violations of international law targeting Rohingya, in addition to the military’s history of stoking intercommunal tensions in Rakhine State and elsewhere across the country, underscore the grave dangers to civilians, according to the joint statement. They are "troubled by the lack of safe areas for civilians" to escape the conflict and attacks on civilians fleeing the violence across Myanmar. Humanitarian needs have increased due to the conflict and been exacerbated by the regime’s denial of humanitarian access. The ongoing conflict has resulted in the displacement of more than 3.5 million people, some of whom have fled the country. More than 15 million people now face acute food insecurity. Disease outbreak, including cholera, is on the rise while access constraints inhibit the delivery of medical assistance. They urged the military regime and all armed actors in Myanmar to de-escalate violence, respect international humanitarian law and international human rights laws, protect civilians, and allow full, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian access so that life-saving aid can be provided to all people in need, including women, children, and members of ethnic and minority populations. "We emphasize that addressing the underlying discrimination and brutal treatment faced by Rohingya must be a part of a political solution to the crisis in Myanmar," they said. Dhaka's ties with Delhi won’t get stuck on single issue: Foreign Adviser The signatories of the statement urged the implementation of UNSC resolution 2669 (2022) which called for the immediate end to all forms of violence in Myanmar and urged restraint, the de-escalation of tensions, and the release of all arbitrarily detained prisoners. They are deeply concerned by the worsening human rights and humanitarian crisis across Myanmar. This crisis is exacerbated by the escalation of violence, as well as intercommunal tension. The regime’s ongoing and violent repression of the people of Myanmar is unacceptable, they said in the joint statement released by the US Department of State on Tuesday. There are credible reports of human rights violations and abuses and international humanitarian law violations committed against civilians, the statement mentioned. These include: abduction and forced recruitment of children and members of ethnic and religious minorities; the Myanmar military’s indiscriminate aerial bombardments that kill and injure civilians and damage civilian infrastructure; sexual and gender-based violence; the burning of homes; attacks on humanitarian workers and facilities; and restrictions on humanitarian access by the military regime and various armed groups. "We have also seen disturbing reports of dismemberment and burning of civilians," they said. The intensification of the conflict in Rakhine State and the suffering experienced by all communities there, including Rohingya, is deeply concerning.

Noting the increasing control of the Arakan Army (AA) over Rakhine State in Myanmar, experts at a dialogue have stressed the importance of formulating a clear national strategy to address this multifaceted challenge, taking implications for Bangladesh and the region into consideration. They cautioned that delays in establishing contact with the Arakan Army could lead to “missed opportunities” as external actors increasingly engage with Rakhine through maritime routes. Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) hosted the policy cafe on “Rakhine after the Fall of Maungdaw: Implications for Bangladesh and the Region” which brought together security experts, former diplomats, and academics to discuss the evolving dynamics in Rakhine State and their implications for Bangladesh and its neighboring regions. Dhaka discusses with UN modalities for int'l conference on Rohingya crisis The discussion was moderated by President of BIPSS Major General (Retd) ANM Muniruzzaman while the panelists included Major General (Retd) Md Shahidul Haque, former Defense Attaché to Myanmar and former Ambassador to Libya; and Parvez Karim Abbasi, Assistant Professor at East-West University. The dialogue focused on the increasing control of the Arakan Army (AA) over Rakhine State, which now dominates more than 80 percent of the region, including its 271-km border with Bangladesh. While delivering his opening remarks, Shafqat Munir, Senior Research Fellow, BIPSS, elevated the discourse by sharing his valuable insights on the topic under discussion, and emphasized the importance of navigating through the leverage to acquire from the situation. The panelists emphasised  the strategic necessity, as well, for Bangladesh to engage with the Arakan Army while maintaining a balanced approach that includes both diplomatic and military options. Muniruzzaman, drawing parallels with India's recalibration of its Myanmar strategy, noted that Bangladesh must act decisively to safeguard its interests. He emphasised Rakhine's strategic importance, highlighting its maritime access to the Bay of Bengal and its resource-rich, multi-ethnic composition. Bangladesh in touch with both Myanmar govt and Arakan Army: Home Adviser The expert noted the region’s significance in the context of US-China strategic competition, particularly referencing China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the BCIM Economic Corridor. Besides, he pointed out that projects like the Sino-Myanmar Oil and Gas Pipeline underscore Rakhine’s role as a critical connectivity hub. Muniruzzaman also drew attention to India’s favorable ties with Myanmar’s military (Tatmadaw), urging Bangladesh to act decisively to protect its interests amidst increasing external engagement in Rakhine. Assistant Professor Abbasi said that engaging with the Arakan Army (AA) is a pragmatic approach often employed in complex geopolitical scenarios, suggesting the use of informal communication channels if direct contact proves unfeasible. He warned that the AA’s growing dominance could escalate insurgency risks in India’s northeastern states, highlighting broader regional implications. Abbasi began his remarks by noting the absence of Indian and Pakistani representation in discussions on Rakhine’s future, describing Myanmar as a “proxy-war haven” and cautioning about potential armed assaults in Sittwe. He highlighted shifts in diplomatic rhetoric toward the AA as a reflection of changing geopolitical alignments and used terms like “Balkanization of Myanmar” and “Stockholm Syndrome” to frame his analysis. On the Rohingya issue, he warned that the AA’s vision for an “Arakan Dream,” rooted in Burmese nationalist discourse as a Bengali-free Arakan, excludes any place for Rohingyas. Abbasi also expressed concerns about uncertainties stemming from rising global tensions, including the possible return of hawkish US leadership under Donald Trump. He noted that while the AA appears open to confederation rather than full independence, its growing influence poses significant risks to regional stability. CSCSS Int’l Conference: Impacts of Rohingya crisis, security challenges discussed Major General (retd) Shahidul Haque described potential engagement with the Arakan Army (AA) as a “win-win situation” for Bangladesh, stressing that such an approach could simultaneously advance the country’s security and economic interests. He noted that the evolving political landscape in Rakhine presents Bangladesh with a rare strategic advantage to negotiate its regional interests, particularly with India. Offering a nuanced analysis, Haque identified the AA as the first non-state actor with which Bangladesh shares a border, highlighting its lack of accountability for human rights and international recognition while cautioning about potential cross-border movements of insurgent groups. He revealed that some Bangladeshi tribal groups are actively fighting alongside the AA against Myanmar, warning that fostering ties with the AA could risk long-term trade relations with Myanmar. However, he suggested that economic engagement, such as supplying agricultural surplus to Arakan, could create mutually beneficial outcomes. Haque also pointed out tensions between the AA and Chin groups, which pose challenges for India but could provide strategic negotiation opportunities for Bangladesh. The policy café concluded with an interactive session where participants delved into various dimensions of the issue, including security risks, economic opportunities, and regional geopolitics, offering valuable insights into how Bangladesh can navigate this complex situation while safeguarding its national interests. Bangladesh reaffirms to stop further infiltration as conflicts in Myanmar escalate The discussion sparked robust debate on regional geopolitics, with some participants criticizing an overemphasis on India’s “Chicken’s Neck” corridor and others examining China’s two-ocean strategy, which could involve deploying forces under security pretexts despite Myanmar’s opposition to foreign troops. Participants also explored how Bangladesh could leverage its strategic position between China and India, both of which engage indirectly with Myanmar despite lacking shared borders. There was also advocacy for empowering Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh to develop leadership skills, assert their rights, and facilitate repatriation efforts. They underscored the need for a balanced approach to regional dynamics and the importance of fostering sustainable solutions to complex geopolitical challenges.

Myanmar’s military government will release more than 6,000 prisoners and has reduced other inmates’ sentences as part of a mass amnesty on Saturday marking the 77th anniversary of independence from Britain. It wasn’t immediately clear if those released would include any of the thousands of political detainees locked up for opposing army rule since the military seized power in February 2021 from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. That takeover was met with massive nonviolent resistance, which has since become a widespread armed struggle. State-run MRTV television reported that Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the head of the military government, granted amnesties covering 5,864 prisoners from Myanmar, as well as 180 foreigners who will be deported. Mass prisoner releases are common on holidays and other significant occasions in Myanmar. The foreigners to be released could include four Thai fishermen who were arrested by Myanmar’s navy in late November after patrol boats opened fire on Thai fishing vessels in waters close to their maritime border in the Andaman Sea. Thailand's prime minister has said she expects the four to be released on Independence Day. Myanmar's Military introduces cybersecurity law with extensive censorship clauses The terms of release warn that if the freed detainees violate the law again, they will have to serve the remainder of their original sentences in addition to any new sentence. In a separate report, it said Min Aung Hlaing had commuted the life sentences of 144 prisoners to 15 years imprisonment. The report provided no details about them. The report also said that all other prisoners will have their sentences reduced by one sixth, except those convicted under the Explosive Substances Act, the Unlawful Associations Act, the Arms Act and the Counter-terrorism Law, all laws which are often used against opponent military rule. Myanmar did not release many details of the prisoners being freed, but many were held on charges related to protests, including Section 505(A) of Myanmar’s penal code, which makes it a crime to spread comments that create public unrest or fear or spread false news. Prisoner releases began on Saturday but can take a few days to be completed. At Insein Prison in the country’s biggest city of Yangon, which is notorious for decades for housing political detainees, relatives of prisoners gathered at the gates from early morning. There was no sign that the prisoner release would include Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been held virtually incommunicado by the military since its seizer of power. The 79-year-old Suu Kyi is serving a 27-year sentence after being convicted of a series of politically tinged prosecutions brought by the military. Her supporters and independent analysts say the cases against her are an attempt to discredit her and legitimize the military’s seizure of power while keeping her from taking part in the military’s promised election, for which no date has yet been set. According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, a rights monitoring organization, 28,096 people have been arrested on political charges since the army takeover. Of those arrested, 21,499 people were still in detention as of Friday, the AAPP reported. At least 6,106 civilians have been killed by security forces in the same period, the group says. Its tally does not include all casualties from combat. US reaffirms support for Rohingya amid concern over Myanmar Myanmar became a British colony in the late 19th century and regained its independence on Jan. 4, 1948. In the capital Naypyitaw, Myanmar’s military government celebrated the anniversary with a flag-raising ceremony at City Hall.

Amid escalating conflicts in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, Bangladesh on Tuesday reiterated that it would take all necessary steps to ensure required security along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border and stop further infiltration into Bangladesh. “Bangladesh will do whatever is necessary for its securing its border. All relevant agencies of the Bangladesh government, including the BGB (Border Guard Bangladesh), are on the highest and appropriate alert in this regard to prevent new infiltration into Bangladesh,” spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Rafiqul Alam told reporters at its weekly briefing. On December 8, he said, the Arakan Army captured Maungdaw city in Rakhine State, taking control of 13 out of 17 cities. Responding to a question, Rafiqul Alam said it is difficult to say how many people are waiting on the other side of the border. Bangladesh informed Myanmar that the border is no longer under their control; rather it is now controlled by non-state actors like the Arakan Army. As a state, Bangladesh says, it cannot engage with a non-state actor and Myanmar must find a way to resolve the issues related to the border and Rakhine. Bangladesh renewed the call for a "comprehensive roadmap" for Rohingya repatriation with priority attached to ensuring stability in Rakhine State. Read: US reaffirms support for Rohingya amid concern over Myanmar On Sunday, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said Bangladesh had to accept over 60,000 Rohingyas under certain circumstances through various unofficial channels, including border-related corruption, despite its decision in principle not to allow any new arrivals from Myanmar. “We had a position in principle that no new arrival one will be allowed. No one was allowed formally. Another thing we need to keep in mind is that there is huge corruption at the border. And it is true,” he said while talking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on his recent informal consultation at the ministerial level among Myanmar and its five neighbouring countries. The six-nation consultation was held in Bangkok on Thursday under the chairmanship of the Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa. The meeting was attended, among others, by Myanmar Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Than Swe. Responding to a question, Hossain said the Rohingyas are not entering Bangladesh through a single route; they are coming through multiple routes, making it very difficult to stop. Asked about a potential new influx of Rohingya refugees, he dismissed such possibilities. "I do not believe another influx will occur, although many are concerned. We too share these concerns, but we must take measures to prevent it, working with the international community," Hossain said. Bangladesh is aware of the civil war situation currently prevailing in Myanmar, and the 1.2 million Rohingyas who were forcibly displaced from the Rakhine state under extreme atrocities, and are sheltered in Bangladesh for the last 7 plus years. There has been no progress in their repatriation and the situation is further complicated by a non-state actor, the Arakan Army taking control of the entire border with Bangladesh, Adviser Hossain said. Read more: Myanmar's Arakan Army claims control of border with Bangladesh Referring to his meeting in Bangkok, the Foreign Adviser said, "I told them in no uncertain terms that peace and order will not be possible in Myanmar, and consequently in the region, unless the Rohingyas lodged in Myanmar can go back to their homes with security and rights." "It is incumbent on Myanmar and the regional powers to create a congenial atmosphere for their return, he said. “I had the scope to talk in detail as it was an informal discussion and I explained our position clearly,” Hossain told reporters at the foreign ministry. “If Rohingya problem is not resolved, peace and stability that you are thinking of will never be achieved,” he said, while conveying Bangladesh’s position during the meeting in Bangkok.