Cox's Bazar
Rohingyas not satisfied with the Myanmar delegation’s assurances
The 14-member Myanmar delegation held a three-hour meeting with the Rohingyas, who fled the Buddhist-majority country amid military persecution and have taken shelter in Cox's Bazar, ahead of their possible repatriation that is being discussed.
However, the Rohingyas are not satisfied with the assurances given by the delegation.
The meeting was held with more than 200 Rohingyas at Jadimura Shalbagan camp in Teknaf on Thursday (May 25, 2023) afternoon.
Later, the delegation returned to Myanmar by trawler via Teknaf-Myanmar transit jetty at Jaliapara municipality.
Read more: Myanmar team arrives in Cox's Bazar to verify list of Rohingya for repatriation
Earlier, the 14-member delegation from Myanmar arrived in a cargo trawler at Teknaf-Myanmar Transit Jetty of Teknaf Municipality Jaliapara around 10am on Thursday. The team was led by Aung Myo, Maungdaw's regional director at the Ministry of Social Affairs.
After the meeting, Director General (Myanmar) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Moinul Kabir said, "Our main objective is to repatriate the Rohingyas. Because that's the only permanent solution. Various initiatives are being taken to send Rohingyas to their home countries. In continuation of this, the Myanmar team has come.”
Expressing dissatisfaction with the assurance of the delegation, some of the Rohingya participants of the meeting said that they demanded Myanmar citizenship, return of their lands and freedom of movement like other communities in the country.
"They're talking about taking us to camps in that country with an NBC card. But that's not how we're willing to go,” a Rohingya participant said, in return for anonymity to discuss the issue.
Read more: Dhaka seeks global support in pilot Rohingya repatriation project.
Cyclone Mocha: 10,000 houses damaged in Cox's Bazar, inc 1200 in St Martin
At least 10,000 houses were damaged in Cox's Bazar, with 1,200 of them being on vulnerable St Martin's Island off the coast of Teknaf.
Despite the widespread damage, there were no reports of casualties as of filing this report.
Cox's Bazar city, Sadar upazila, Maheshkhali upazila, Kutubdia upazila, and Ramu upazila were all hit by the cyclone, and locals are fearful of the potential for massive losses being uncovered as people return to their daily lives at home.
Also Read: Cyclone Mocha completes landfall, ports now advised to raise signal No. 3
Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Shaheen Imran has confirmed that the cyclone's fury has ceased and that the 2.5 lakh people in shelters will be able to return home pending the authorities' green light.
“However, the extent of the damage is still being assessed and will be reported later,” the DC said.
The cyclone caused extensive damage in Teknaf and St. Martin, with a lot of trees falling in isolated areas of St. Martin, Teknaf Sadar and Municipal areas, Sabrang, Dailpara, and Jadimura.
Also Read: Cyclone Mocha weakens slightly, lies over Maynmar land: BMD
People have been seen removing trees from roads in different areas.
According to Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Kamruzzaman, there are reports of extensive damage in Teknaf and Saint Martin, with trees being uprooted and houses being destroyed in some areas.
Chairman of St Martin union parishad, Mujibur Rahman, said that although the wind speed has decreased in St Martin since evening, many houses have been blown away, and some people have been injured.
More accurate, precise measures of the damage done by Mocha will have to wait till tomorrow, most probably.
Bangladesh, Myanmar brace as Cyclone Mocha makes landfall
Bangladesh and Myanmar braced Sunday as an extremely severe cyclone started to hit coastal areas and authorities urged thousands of people in both countries to seek shelter.
The outermost band of Cyclone Mocha reached the coast of Myanmar's Rakhine state on Sunday morning, and by afternoon the center of the storm was expected to make landfall near Sittwe township, which was under the highest weather alert, Myanmar’s Meteorological Department said Sunday.
More than 4,000 of Sittwe's 300,000 residents have been evacuated to other cities since Friday and more than 20,000 people are sheltering in sturdy buildings such as monasteries, pagodas and schools located on the city's highlands, said Tin Nyein Oo, who is helping people in shelters in Sittwe.
Read More: Bangladesh, Myanmar brace as Cyclone Mocha makes landfall
Many local residents live in areas more than 3 meters above sea level, places where residents believe the storm surge cannot reach, he added.
Strong winds of 40 to 48 kilometers per hour (25 to 40 miles per hour) were blowing in the city, Tin Nyein Oo said on Sunday morning.
“The storm has not yet entered, so we don’t have much difficulty. However, there are too many people in the shelters and not enough toilets,” he added.
Read More: Satkhira sees no effects of Cyclone Mocha
Lin Lin, the chairman of a local charitable foundation, said earlier there was not enough food in the shelters in Sittwe after more people arrived than expected.
In Bangladesh, weather in most areas remained sunny and humid on Sunday morning.
U.N. agencies and aid workers in Bangladesh prepositioned tons of dry food and dozens of ambulances with mobile medical teams in sprawling refugee camps with more than 1 million Rohingya who fled persecution in Myanmar.
Read More: Cyclone Mocha starts crossing Cox’s Bazar with speed of up to 215 kmph: BMD
Bangladesh issued the highest danger signal for Cox’s Bazar, home to the camps. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department warned the cyclone could cause severe damage to lives and property in eight coastal districts.
No heavy rainfall had been reported in Cox's Bazar as of Sunday morning.
Bangladesh, with more than 160 million people, has prepared more than 1,500 cyclone shelters. The navy said it's keeping ready 21 ships, maritime patrol aircraft and helicopters for rescue and relief operations.
Read More: Cyclone Mocha: Academic activities at Khulna University, Agricultural University suspended
Authorities in Bangladesh said heavy rains from the cyclone could trigger landslides in Chattogram and Cox's Bazar and three other hilly districts — Rangamati, Bandarban and Khagrachhari.
In May 2008, Cyclone Nargis hit Myanmar with a storm surge that devastated populated areas around the Irrawaddy River Delta. At least 138,000 people died and tens of thousands of homes and other buildings were washed away.
Roxy Mathew Koll, a climate scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology in Pune city, said cyclones in the Bay of Bengal are becoming more intense more quickly, in part because of climate change.
Read More: This is how Cyclone Mocha was named, plus all you need to know
Climate scientists say cyclones can now retain their energy for many days. Cyclone Amphan in eastern India in 2020 continued to travel over land as a strong cyclone and caused extensive devastation.
“As long as oceans are warm and winds are favorable, cyclones will retain their intensity for a longer period,” Koll said.
Cyclones are among the most devastating natural disasters in the world, especially if they affect densely populated coastal regions in South Asia.
Read More: Cyclone Mocha: BTRC opens control room
Cyclone Mocha: BTRC forms emergency teams for uninterrupted telco
Cyclone Mocha is likely to hit the coastal areas of Bangladesh, especially Chattogram, Teknaf and Cox's Bazar, on Sunday (May 14, 2023).
The Department of Posts and Telecommunications has already instructed all the subordinate agencies, including the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, to complete necessary preparations to ensure that all types of telecommunications services continue during the disaster and post-disaster period to deal with the cyclone, according to a press release.
The BTRC has also directed all the licensees concerned and all telecom operators providing telecommunication services to form emergency response teams and set up control rooms on Saturday.
Read More: This is how Cyclone Mocha was named, plus all you need to know
A 10-member emergency response team has been formed by the BTRC. The team will take measures in coordination with the telecom operators to ensure uninterrupted service, including round-the-clock monitoring of the telecommunications service system in the cyclone-affected areas, and will continue close contact with the concerned district and upazila administrations.
Besides, the BTRC has also started a control room with three members. The two control room numbers are 01552202854 and 01552202886.
The BTRC control room is coordinating between the monitoring team formed by the BTRC and how the licensees working in the coastal areas are working to deal with the Mocha. Besides, mobile operators, NTTNs, ISPs and other licensed officials concerned are taking necessary measures to inform the control room if they face any problem in taking action in the coastal areas, said the release.
Read More: Cyclone Mocha may cross Cox’s Bazar between 9am and 3pm today, no possibility of turning into super cyclonic storm: BMD
In view of the BTRC directive, the telecom operators have set up control rooms in their respective offices to ensure uninterrupted telecommunication services in the coastal areas and surrounding areas and adequate batteries, diesel generators, portable generators and additional vehicles have been arranged to travel during the disaster to ensure power backup to keep their network system active.
Mobile operator Grameenphone has taken the initiative to provide special packages to provide free telecommunication services to the people of cyclone-affected areas. Grameenphone's emergency contact numbers are 01711505368, 0171108110101, 01711081804.
Banglalink has said that special measures will be taken to make it easier to recharge mobile phones along with text messages and social media campaigns to make people aware of the cyclone situation. Banglalink's emergency contact numbers are 0196244565, 01911310795, 01962424706.
Read More: Cyclone Mocha starts crossing Cox’s Bazar with speed of up to 215 kmph: BMD
Robi customers will get emergency balance, minutes and internet by dialing *8# at any time. Robi's hotline number is 0181718368, 01819210350
Teletalk has taken steps to ensure commercial power supply along with adequate fuel supply by removing mechanical defects of all generators to ensure power supply at core site and hub site. Besides, a response team has been formed and a control room has been set up. Emergency Response Team Numbers- 01550155045, 015505155034, 0155015053. Control Room Number-02333315900, 0155515211.
Bangladesh Telecommunication Company Limited (BTCL) has opened a control room to deal with the problem. The contact number of the control room is 0248317788.
Read More: Cyclone Preparedness: Safety measures to follow before, during and after disaster
The emergency contact number of the tower construction company edotco-, 01871006730. The summit's emergency contact number is 01791040385, 01711080484. Kirtankhola's emergency contact number is 01401159572 (Chattogram and Cox's Bazar) 01713479912 (Barisal). Frontier's Emergency Contact Number- 01810169540, 01810169548.
ISPs, NTTNs and other telecom operators have taken steps and are constantly trying to keep their networks active in the areas likely to hit the cyclone during the disaster.
Mocha shows no sign of weakening; 190-210 kph winds near centre in BMD's midnight update
Cyclone Mocha, located over east central Bay and adjoining areas, kept moving north-northeastwards and kept intensifying between the Bangladesh Meteorological Department or BMD’s evening and midnight updates on Saturday.
The weather system was located at 490 km south-southwest of Chattogram port, 410 km south-southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 530 km south of Mongla port and 460 km south of Payra port, said the BMD in its special update issued at 12am Saturday night (0000 hrs Sunday).
In BMD’s previous update at 6pm Saturday, the storm was located 605 km south-southwest of Chattogram port, 525 km south-southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 625 km south of Mongla port and 565 km south of Payra port.
Read More: Great danger signal No 10 issued for Cox’s Bazar maritime port as cyclone Mocha approaches
It is likely to intensify further, keep moving in a north-northeasterly direction and likely cross the Cox's Bazar-north Myanmar coast anytime between 9am to 3pm on Sunday, May 14 (tomorrow) it said. In this case, BMD’s midnight update did shorten the window for it to make landfall, as earlier it had said 9am-6p Sunday in the evening update.
It also said the coastal districts of Chattogram and Barishal divisions had started experiencing the peripheral effects of the very severe cyclonic storm in the form of rain.
BMD said the maximum sustained wind speed near the storm's centre was about 190 kph rising to 210 kph in gusts/squalls. This was up from 180-200 kph in the evening update, meaning the storm was still gathering strength.
Read More: Heavy rains may trigger landslides in Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram, 3 hill districts
There were some rumours that the system had already turned into a ‘super cyclone’, but an Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) update pointed out that the system is called a super cyclone when the maximum sustained speed crosses 221 km per hour - which is not yet the case, although it may still happen overnight.
An IMD official told Kolkata-based The Telegraph that “whether it technically crosses the super cyclone threshold or not, the devastation will be significant.”
BMD in its update said the coastal districts of Cox's Bazar and Chittagong and the nearby islands and low-lying Char areas face tidal surges 8 to 12 feet above the normal tide.
Read More: All preparations taken to face cyclone Mocha: PM Hasina
Maritime ports of Cox's Bazar has been advised to keep hoisted great danger signal no. 10. Maritime ports of Chattogram and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted great danger signal no. 8, said the report.
The low-lying areas of the coastal districts of Feni, Noakhali. Laxmipur, Chandpur. Bhola and their offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by the wind driven tidal surges 05-07 feet above normal astronomical tide.
Maritime port of Mongla has been advised to keep hoisted local warning signal no 4. The coastal district of Cox's Bazar and its offshore islands and chars will come under great danger signal 10, it also said.
Read More: This is how Cyclone Mocha was named, plus all you need to know
Chattogram, Sylhet and Barishal divisions are likely to experience heavy (44-88 mm) to very heavy rainfall (89 mm and above). Due to the very heavy rainfall, landslides may occur at places over the hilly regions of Cox's Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati, Khagrachari and Chattogram.
All fishing boats and trawlers over north bay have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice, the bulletin also said.
Cox's Bazar Airport to be closed from Saturday 7am to Sunday 7pm
Cox's Bazar Airport will remain closed from Saturday (May 13, 2023) 7am to Sunday (May 14, 2023) 7pm due to the very severe cyclonic storm Mocha in the Bay of Bengal.
However, the decision on Shah Amanat International Airport of Chattogram will be taken after assessing the situation in the morning, said Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority chairman Air Vice Marshal Mafidur Rahman.
Earlier, The Bangladesh Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee gave a direction which said that the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) exam of Sunday (May 14) was postponed under five boards; Chattogram board, Cumilla board, Barisal board, Bangladesh Madrasa Education Board and Technical Board.
Read More: Cyclone Mocha likely to cross Cox’s Bazar-Myanmar’s north coast by Sunday evening
The very severe cyclonic storm Mocha in east central bay and adjoining area moved north-northeastwards over the same area and was centred at 06 pm today about 930 kms south-southwest of Chattogram port, 860 kms south-southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 890 kms south-southwest of Mongla Port and 855 kms south southwest of Payra port.
Maritime ports of Cox's Bazar, Chattogram and Payra have been advised to lower local warning signal number 4 and instead hoist great danger signal number 8.
The coastal districts of Cox's Bazar, Chattogram, Feni, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Chandpur, Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Jhalokathi, Pirojpur, Borguna and their offshore islands and chars will come under great danger signal number 8.
Read More: 409 shelters prepared in Khulna as depression intensifies into Cyclone Mocha
Rohingya community leader shot dead in Cox's Bazar
Another leader of the Rohingya community was shot dead by unknown assailants in Ukhia upazila of Cox's Bazar district on Thursday.
The deceased was identified as Mohammad Selim, 28, a sub-majhi (deputy head) of Kutupalong camp.
Read more: 2 Rohingya children sustain bullet wounds in Cox’s Bazar gunfight
Sheikh Mohammad Ali, officer-in-charge of Ukhia Police Station, said Selim was out overseeing the field-level work of volunteers on Wednesday night. Suddenly, a group of miscreants opened fire on him, leaving him seriously injured.
He was first taken to the MSF Hospital serving the Rohingya camp and later shifted to Chattogram Medical College Hospital for better treatment, the OC said.
Selim died around 12:30pm on Thursday while undergoing treatment at the hospital, added the OC.
Read more: Japan, UNHCR sign $4.5 million agreement to support Rohingyas in Bangladesh
Additional Deputy Inspector General (ADIG) Shayed Harun-ur-Rashid, commander of the Armed Police Battalion (APBN), said Selim might have been killed over establishing supremacy in the area.
"Efforts are on to arrest those involved in the murder," he added.
Cox's Bazar: Rohingya man held with one lakh yaba pills
Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) said they detained a Rohingya man with one lakh yaba pills from the Ukhiya border area on Thursday.
The detainee was identified as Sharif Hossain, 21, son of Bashir Ahmed of Kutupalong Rohingya camp of Ukhiya upazila.
Tipped off, a team of BGB conducted a raid at Tulatuli Joliler Goda of Rajapalong union, Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Saiful Islam Chowdhury, commanding officer of 34th BGB Battalion, said.
Hot on the trail of potential "drug smugglers," BGB detained Sharif with one lakh contraband yaba pills as was trying to smuggle the cheap synthetic drug from Myanmar into Bangladesh.
The detainee and the yaba pills were handed over to Ukiya Police Station, Saiful said.
Read more: Yaba smuggling: 8 Rohingyas get life term jail in Cox’s Bazar
2 ‘militants’ arrested from Kutupalong Rohingya camp after 'gunfight’, Rab says
Members of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) today (January 23, 2023) arrested two suspected members of new militant group 'Jamatul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya' after a gunfight at Kutupalong Rohingya camp in Ukhia upazila of Cox's Bazar.
The arrestees were identified as Ronobir, a Shura member and head of the armed wing of the militant group, and his associate Bashar, a bomb-making expert.
Read more: 12 militants, 14 KNF members arrested so far in anti-militancy drive in Bandarban: RAB
A team of Rab-15 conducted a drive in Kutupalong Rohingya camp this morning, said ASP Abu Salam Chowdhury from Cox's Bazar Rab-15.
Sensing the presence of law enforcers, the militants opened fire on them, forcing the Rab personnel to fire back, he added.
Rab arrested the duo along with arms and explosives from a den in the camp following the gunfight. Details will be revealed at a press briefing at Ukhiya Rohingya camp area, the officer said.
Read more: 3 ‘members of new militant outfit’ held with arms, explosives in Bandarban
Coast Guard seize 2.1 lakh yaba pills from Naf river
Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) conducted a raid on the river Naf in Teknaf of Cox's Bazar district and seized 2.1 lakh contraband yaba pills early Monday.
Media officer of the BCG headquarters here Lt. Commander Abdur Rahman said that based on secret information, a special operation was conducted in the Naf river by BCG station Teknaf under BCG East Zone at around 2:15 am.
During the operation, the BCG members saw a locally made dinghy coming towards the Bangladesh water territory from the Myanmar frontier in the Naf River area of Sabrang Noapara.
Read more: BGB recover 70 thousand yaba worth Tk 2.1 core from Naf river
As the boat crossed the border, the movement of the boat appeared suspicious and a Coast Guard member signaled the boat to stop. Realizing the presence of the Coast Guard, someone on the boat threw two yellow plastic bags into the water and quickly fled to the border of Myanmar. Later, Coast Guard members picked up the two sacks from the water and searched and seized 2 lakh 10 thousand pieces of yaba tablets, Lt. Commander Abdur Rahman said.
He further said that the seized Yaba consignment was handed over to Teknaf Model Police Station for further legal action.