United News of Bangladesh

Lebanon’s top military authority has issued a stern warning to Hamas, vowing the “harshest measures” if the group attempts to launch any attacks from Lebanese soil. The Higher Defence Council’s statement on Friday followed the recent arrest of several Lebanese and Palestinian individuals accused of firing rockets into northern Israel, according to AP. “Hamas and other factions will not be allowed to endanger national stability,” the council declared. “The safety of Lebanon’s territories is above all.” Brig Gen Mohammed al-Mustafa, reading the statement, added, “The harshest measures will be taken to put a complete end to any act that infringes on Lebanon’s sovereignty.” There was no immediate response from Hamas officials to requests for comment. Hamas previously launched attacks on Israel from within Lebanon since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023. Israeli airstrike targets area near Syrian presidential palace In retaliation, Israeli airstrikes have targeted Hamas operatives in Lebanon, including the assassination of senior military leader Saleh Arouri in Beirut. Lebanese authorities are aiming to reassert control over the entire country, particularly the south near the Israeli border, following a 14-month conflict between Israel - Hezbollah that concluded in late November with a US-mediated ceasefire. In March, multiple suspects, including Palestinians, were arrested in connection with two rocket attacks on Israel. Those attacks prompted heavy Israeli bombardments in Lebanon. Lebanon’s Hezbollah denied involvement in the rocket fire.

The Israeli military carried out an airstrike on a building in Beirut's southern suburbs early Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of at least three people. Israel stated that the strike targeted a Hezbollah militant. Israel orders evacuation of most of Rafah The attack occurred without prior warning, just days after Israel launched an assault on Beirut on Friday—the first such strike on the Lebanese capital since a ceasefire ended clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah in November. Before the attack, the Israeli military had issued warnings to residents in the densely populated suburbs following the launch of two projectiles from southern Lebanon, which Hezbollah denied responsibility for. According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, at least seven other individuals sustained injuries in the strike. In a statement, the Israeli military said the airstrike targeted a Hezbollah operative who was assisting the Palestinian Hamas group in Gaza with attacks against Israel. It added that the strike was conducted “under the direction of the Shin Bet,” Israel’s domestic intelligence agency. Hezbollah did not immediately comment on the attack, and no further details on casualties were available. Photos and videos widely circulated on local and social media showed significant damage to the top three floors of an apartment building. Debris from the strike had fallen onto vehicles below. Jets were heard flying over parts of the Lebanese capital before the strike, which took place near the Hay Madi neighborhood. During Israel’s previous war with Hezbollah, Israeli drones and fighter jets frequently targeted Beirut’s southern suburbs, an area where Hezbollah maintains significant influence and support. Israel considers this region a militant stronghold and has accused Hezbollah of stockpiling weapons there. “We were at home. It was Eid al-Fitr,” said Hussein Nour El-Din, a local resident, referring to the Islamic holiday marking the end of Ramadan. “We didn’t know where the explosion happened, but once the smoke cleared, we saw it was the building right across from us.” On Saturday, Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Sheikh Naim Kassem, warned that if Israel continued its attacks on Lebanon and the Lebanese government failed to intervene, the group would be forced to explore other options. As part of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire that ended the 14-month conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, Israeli forces were required to withdraw from all Lebanese territory by late January, while Hezbollah was obligated to cease its armed presence south of the Litani River along the Israeli border. Iran has rejected direct negotiations with the US in response to Trump's letter Since the ceasefire took effect, Israel has conducted daily strikes in southern and eastern Lebanon, claiming to target Hezbollah operatives and infrastructure. Meanwhile, the Lebanese military has been gradually deploying in the country’s southern region, with Beirut urging the international community to pressure Israel to halt attacks and withdraw its remaining forces from five hilltops within Lebanese territory.

Lebanon’s new prime minister on Saturday formed the country’s first full-fledged government since 2022. President Joseph Aoun announced in a statement that he had accepted the resignation of the former caretaker government and signed a decree with new Prime Minister Nawaf Salam forming the new government. Salam’s cabinet of 24 ministers, split evenly between Christian and Muslim sects, was formed less than a month after he was appointed, and comes at a time where Lebanon is scrambling to rebuild its battered southern region and maintain security along its southern border after a devastating war between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group. A U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal ended the war in November. Lebanon is also still in the throes of a crippling economic crisis, now in its sixth year, which has battered its banks, destroyed its state electricity sector and left many in poverty unable to access their savings. Hamas releases 3 more Israeli hostages for dozens of Palestinian prisoners under Gaza ceasefire Salam, a diplomat and former president of the International Court of Justice, has vowed to reform Lebanon’s judiciary and battered economy and bring about stability in the troubled country, which has faced numerous economic, political, and security crises for decades. Though Hezbollah did not endorse Salam as prime minister, the Lebanese group did engage in negotiations with the new prime minister over the Shiite Muslim seats in government, as per Lebanon’s power-sharing system. Lebanon’s new authorities also mark a shift away from leaders that are close to Hezbollah, as Beirut hopes to continue improving ties with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations that have been concerned by Hezbollah’s growing political and military power over the past decade. In early January, former army chief Aoun was elected president, ending that position’s vacuum. He was also a candidate not endorsed by Hezbollah and key allies. Aoun has shared similar sentiments to Salam, also vowing to consolidate the state’s right to “monopolize the carrying of weapons,” in an apparent reference to the arms of Hezbollah.

A total of 46 stranded Bangladeshi nationals were repatriated from war-torn Lebanon on Tuesday on a Qatar flight (QR 640) with full government expenditure. The flight landed at 9:15 am at Hazrat Shajalal International Airport (HSIA), facilitated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, the Embassy of Bangladesh in Beirut, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). So far, a total of 1292 Bangladeshi nationals have been repatriated from Lebanon by 20 flights. Officials from Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment and IOM welcomed the returnees at the airport. IOM provided each repatriated person with TK 5,000 as pocket money, food supplies and basic medical care. Deeper ties with Russia sought in meeting with new ambassador Ministry officials engaged with the returnees, discussing the horrors of the ongoing conflict and inquiring about their well-being. One Bangladeshi national has so far reportedly died in a bombing incident during the conflict. The government has reiterated its commitment to cover repatriation costs for all Bangladeshis wishing to return home from Lebanon due to the ongoing violence. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Embassy of Bangladesh in Beirut continues to work tirelessly to ensure the safe return of those desiring repatriation and to guarantee the safety of those choosing to stay.

Lebanon's parliament elected army commander Joseph Aoun as president on Thursday, ending a presidential void that had lasted over two years, reports AP. This marked the 13th attempt by the legislature to choose a successor to former President Michel Aoun — who is unrelated to the army commander — following the end of his term in October 2022. Prioritise reconstruction of Gaza, West Bank, Lebanon: Prof Yunus The vote took place just weeks after a fragile ceasefire agreement brought a 14-month conflict between Israel and Hezbollah to a halt. It also came at a time when Lebanon's leaders are seeking international aid for reconstruction efforts. Migrant workers in Lebanon struggle to return home amid alleged abuse and war Aoun was widely considered the preferred choice of both the United States and Saudi Arabia, whose support Lebanon will require to ensure Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon, as outlined in the agreement, and to secure funding for rebuilding after the war. 105 stranded Bangladeshis return from war-torn Lebanon

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Thursday said it is crucial to move beyond humanitarian interventions and shift focus towards the reconstruction of Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. "Let D-8 therefore kickstart a process, with an approximate estimation of the costs of reconstruction in Palestine and Lebanon," he said, adding that they can thereon press on formulation of international strategies for resource mobilization. The Chief Adviser made the remarks while delivering the speech during a special session on humanitarian crisis and reconstruction challenges in Gaza and Lebanon on the sidelines of the D-8 Summit. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi chaired the session. Prof Yunus urges focus on attitudes, ethics in skilling young workforce The United Nations has cautioned that removing the 40 million tonnes of rubble left in the wake of Israel’s bombardment could take at least 15 years, Dr Yunus said. "We understand that the rubble may contain over 10,000 bodies of the deceased. And this is also contaminated with asbestos," he said. Dr Yunus said Bangladesh commends the government of Egypt for convening this special session. "We gather at a time when Israeli aggression and the 14-month long brutal genocide against the Palestinian people continue unabated in the occupied Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Words should suffice little," he said. To say the least, Dr Yunus said, they are in utter dismay at Israel’s blatant disregard to long-held international norms, laws and conventions. "The ways the hostilities in Lebanon are spreading, there are heightened fears of further escalation. This can lend to dire and long-term consequences for peace and stability across the region, impacting global society and polity, not just economy," he said. Dr Yunus urges Pakistan to resolve 1971 issues for improved ties From Cairo, Dr Yunus said, they must voice their unity and unwavering commitment, in solidarity with their Palestinian brothers and sisters, at this existential time in their history. "Throughout our history, Bangladesh has stood firmly in support of the Palestinian cause. We consistently condemned the illegal occupation and the violent repression carried out by Israel," said the Chief Adviser. He said they remain steadfast in advocating a just and lasting solution, through a two-State solution to the crisis, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and harmony. "Palestine has to emerge as a fully independent and viable State based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital," Dr Yunus said. "This is what we also articulated in detail before the International Court of Justice this February as the Court finally called Israel's occupation illegal, in its Advisory Opinion," he added. Bangladeshis are profoundly concerned over the current state of affairs and Palestinians are no expendable people, Dr Yunus said. "Every Palestinian life matters." The Chief Adviser said it is not an issue that merely concerns the Muslims. "Rather, a universal cause where human dignity is tested. It is about universal pledge to protect the vulnerable. It is indeed our moral duty to stand by them, resolutely." There are around six million Bangladeshi migrant workers and expatriate professionals, across the region, including in Lebanon who have been making significant contributions to the development of the countries across the Middle East, Dr Yunus said. Dhaka seeks ‘comprehensive roadmap’ for Rohingya repatriation "Their safety and security are at risk. We call upon all actors and stakeholders, indeed beyond the region, to take decisive and collective actions to end the brutalities unleashed by the Israeli forces," he said. The massacres in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon, are clear violations of international law, and constitute war crimes. "Those responsible must account. That is why, last November, Bangladesh stood up at the International Criminal Court asking for expeditious investigations into the heinous crimes against humanity," Dr Yunus said. Such actions on accountability can deter the perpetrators against further and future atrocities, he said. "Alongside, let us intensify our efforts on realisation of a viable two-State solution," Dr Yunus said.  

In a crowded shelter on the outskirts of Beirut, Isatta Bah cradles her baby, Blessing, as she waits for an exit visa to return to Sierra Leone. The 24-year-old endured what she described as exploitative work conditions, sexual violence, and the ravages of Lebanon’s recent war. “My time in Lebanon has been very hard. I just want to go home,” Bah said. Bah is one of hundreds of migrant workers stranded in Lebanon, seeking repatriation after a ceasefire ended the 14-month conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. Attracted by promises of stable jobs and decent pay, many migrants enter Lebanon under the controversial Kafala sponsorship system. However, the system, often criticized by human rights groups, leaves workers vulnerable to exploitation, including withheld wages and confiscated passports. Bah’s ordeal began in 2022 when she arrived in Lebanon, expecting to work in a supermarket for $200 per month. Instead, she was sent to care for an elderly woman. Within weeks, her 3-year-old son back in Sierra Leone passed away, and she wasn’t allowed time to grieve. Bah fled her employer’s home but left behind her passport and documents. Her situation worsened when she and five housemates were abducted and raped after being misled by a taxi driver. The trauma stayed with her, and two months later, she discovered she was pregnant. Read: 105 stranded Bangladeshis return from war-torn Lebanon The war added to her hardships. When Israeli strikes targeted Beirut’s southern suburbs in September, Bah fled on foot with her baby and friends. Since October 2023, an estimated 37 migrant workers have died and 150 have been injured, according to the U.N.’s International Organization for Migration (IOM). Displaced and vulnerable, many migrants found limited support. Most government shelters refused to house non-Lebanese, said activist Dea Hajj Shaheen. She and other volunteers transformed an abandoned car dealership into a shelter for over 200 Sierra Leonean women, including Bah. Despite its modest conditions, the shelter provided safety and community. Women cooked together, danced to music, and even fashioned a Christmas tree from sticks. However, challenges persist as many lack the necessary documents to leave Lebanon. “We had to arrange exit permits, immigration clearances, and travel documents for children,” said Shaheen, who facilitated the repatriation of 120 women and children with IOM’s help last month. IOM reports over 10,000 requests for repatriation, a fraction of the 175,000 migrant workers in Lebanon. As of late November, the organization had assisted over 400 people in returning home, including charter flights for migrants from Bangladesh and Sierra Leone. On Nov. 19, joy filled Beirut’s airport as Sierra Leonean women celebrated their long-awaited departure. “Life in Lebanon was tough, but I’m thrilled to go home,” said Amanata Thullah, who spent four years in the country. Read more: Despite ceasefire Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon continue While many left, Bah remains at the shelter, awaiting her turn. After initial delays due to missing documents for her baby, a lawyer waived the requirements, clearing her path for repatriation. “I dream of continuing my education and studying computer science,” Bah said, smiling at her baby. “Blessing gives me hope and joy. Watching her grow reminds me that there’s still something beautiful to hold on to.”  

Suheil Hamwi, a Lebanese man who spent 32 years imprisoned in Syria, has finally returned to his home in Lebanon following a major offensive by insurgents that ousted the government of Bashar Assad, reports AP. Hamwi, who worked as a merchant in Chekka, northern Lebanon, was abducted in 1992 on Saint Barbara’s Day, a holiday akin to Halloween. He was taken by force when a group of men dragged him into their car as he fetched whiskey for a customer. His family did not hear from him for years. US keen to support Syrian leaders on conditions He was among hundreds of Lebanese citizens detained during Syria’s occupation of Lebanon from 1976 to 2005. On Sunday, in the wake of Syria’s opposition forces advancing, Hamwi and other prisoners discovered their guards had fled. Seizing the moment, they walked free. “I’m still scared this might not be real,” Hamwi told The Associated Press from his home, the same place he left more than three decades ago. Yet, he added, “I found my freedom.” Decades of Uncertainty For years after his disappearance, Hamwi’s family had no idea where he was. Sixteen years later, his wife learned he was detained in Syria, but the reasons for his arrest remained unclear. It wasn’t until 20 years after his abduction that Hamwi was informed of the charges against him: he was accused of being a member of the Lebanese Forces, a Christian political party and militia opposed to Syria’s military presence in Lebanon during the 15-year Lebanese civil war. Hamwi endured years of cryptic interrogations and isolation. Held in multiple facilities, including the notorious Saydnaya prison, he faced torture during his early captivity but said it eventually ceased. In 2008, after 16 years, his wife was allowed to visit him, a meeting that became an annual occurrence. The Path to Freedom Last week, prisoners heard rumours of rebel advances but didn’t expect the impact to reach them. Early Sunday, chaos erupted as prisoners discovered the guards had abandoned their posts. Rebels broke open gates, and prisoners began escaping. Hamwi, along with others, walked into uncertainty, guided by strangers back to Lebanon. He crossed into his homeland via the Arida border crossing, where his family awaited him. A Joyful Homecoming Back in Chekka, Hamwi was greeted by his two grandchildren, meeting them for the first time. Photos of family milestones, including his son George’s graduation and wedding, filled the home he hadn’t seen in over 30 years. Amidst laughter and shared memories, neighbours and friends gathered to celebrate. Josephine, his wife, served sweets while friends asked, “Do you remember me?” Hamwi recognised many faces, rekindling old connections. He has undergone medical tests to assess the physical toll of his decades-long captivity and is adjusting to life outside prison. Still, he eagerly anticipates reuniting with his son George, now an engineer in the Gulf. In their first phone call, George expressed the words Hamwi had longed to hear: “I miss you. I love you. I’m waiting to see you.”

Bangladesh has repatriated 105 stranded citizens from war-torn Lebanon. These individuals, who had been seeking to return home voluntarily, arrived on Thursday at 11:00 pm via Emirates Airlines flight EK-584, with the entire cost covered by the government, according to a press release on Friday. Despite ceasefire Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon continue The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, the Bangladesh Embassy in Beirut, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) collaborated to facilitate this operation. Officials ensured a seamless return for the group, marking another step in the government’s ongoing efforts to assist citizens impacted by the conflict, it said. Earlier this week, the government also brought back 40 individuals on December 3 and 64 individuals on December 4. This latest flight brings the total number of repatriated Bangladeshis from Lebanon to 963 across 15 flights. Displaced people return to south Lebanon as ceasefire appears to hold Upon arrival at the airport, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, and IOM welcomed the returnees. IOM provided each individual with Tk 5,000 as pocket money, food items, and basic medical assistance. Ministry officials also spoke with the returnees to learn about their experiences during the conflict and offer support. Tragically, one Bangladeshi has been reported killed in a bombing in Lebanon. The government remains committed to repatriating all Bangladeshi expatriates willing to return from Lebanon amid the ongoing conflict. The Bangladesh Embassy in Beirut continues to work tirelessly to ensure the safe return of those desiring repatriation and to guarantee the safety of those choosing to stay, added the release.

On Thursday, Israel launched an airstrike on southern Lebanon, marking the first such attack since a ceasefire with Hezbollah was declared earlier this week. The Israeli military stated the strike targeted a rocket storage site linked to Hezbollah, accusing the group of violating the truce. Lebanese authorities reported sporadic incidents of Israeli shelling and gunfire, which injured two people attempting to return to southern Lebanon. While Lebanese media identified the injured as civilians, the Israeli military described them as suspects breaching the ceasefire. Despite these skirmishes, the truce largely held as Lebanese forces began deploying in areas long dominated by Hezbollah. Read: Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah start a ceasefire after nearly 14 months of fighting Efforts are underway to facilitate the return of displaced residents. Over 1.2 million people were forced to flee their homes during Lebanon's deadliest conflict in decades. However, restrictions remain in place, with both Israeli and Lebanese authorities cautioning civilians against entering border zones still under military control. Israeli forces reported opening fire on "several suspects" entering restricted areas in southern Lebanon, though specifics were not disclosed. Lebanese state media reported two civilians wounded in the border village of Markaba amid ongoing Israeli tank fire in nearby villages, which caused no casualties. Adding to the tension, the Lebanese military accused Israel of multiple ceasefire breaches, citing airstrikes and surveillance operations. An Israeli military spokesperson announced a curfew for Lebanese residents south of the Litani River, enforcing strict movement restrictions from Thursday evening to Friday morning. Read: Displaced people return to south Lebanon as ceasefire appears to hold The fragile truce, brokered by the U.S. and France, mandates Hezbollah’s withdrawal north of the Litani River and a gradual Israeli pullback, with Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers set to patrol a buffer zone. Lebanese military officials are clearing unexploded ordnance and debris to pave the way for displaced families to return. Drone footage revealed extensive destruction in towns like Qana, which has endured repeated devastation in past conflicts with Israel. Residents returning to sift through the rubble expressed a mix of grief and resilience. “They’re determined to destroy us,” said Aref AbouKhalil, a local taxi driver. “But we’ll build it again.” Israel’s military chief, Lt. Gen. Herzl Halevi, emphasized that any violations of the ceasefire would be met with force. He reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to the agreement while urging caution for displaced Israelis considering returning to their northern border communities. Though the day saw reduced violence compared to recent months, the situation remains tense. The ongoing war in Gaza, which triggered this conflict, continues unabated, with no resolution in sight. Source: With inputs from agencies