Bangladesh, Myanmar launch hotline to facilitate Rohingya return
Dhaka, Aug 11: Bangladesh and Myanmar have launched a hotline at the Foreign Ministerial level to facilitate "ease of discussions" for the early repatriation of Rohingya refugees.
A meeting was held between Myanmar Minister for the Office of the State Counsellor Kyaw Tint Swe and Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali in Myanmar's capital Naypyidaw on Friday, bdnews24.com reported.
Ali was visiting Myanmar to see the preparations for taking back the Rohingyas. In the meeting, the ministers discussed the implementation of the bilateral agreement -- "Arrangement on Return of Displaced Persons from Rakhine State" -- signed in November 2017.
According to the Myanmar side, both parties agreed that there should be early repatriation of displaced persons from Rakhine who recently fled to Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar. "Repatriation will be in a voluntary, safe and dignified manner and in this regard, a hotline was established between the ministers to facilitate ease of discussions," an official statement said.
Bangladesh and Myanmar also agreed to intensify cooperation on counter-terrorism and the fight against drug trafficking through exchange of intelligence and enhanced coordinated border patrols.
As agreed in the arrangement, Myanmar has built two reception centres and one transit camp for Rohingyas. Bangladesh has confirmed progress on the five transit camps. One was complete, another under construction and the remaining three to be built.
It was also agreed that any humanitarian aid given to those inhabiting the area on Myanmar's territory should be given by the aid agencies from Myanmar side.
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Punishment for those disrupting assembly proceedings, warns Speaker UT Khader
Belagavi: Speaker U.T. Khader on Friday warned that members who disrupt Assembly proceedings by talking in their seats during debates will be made to sit in the House for an entire day as a disciplinary measure.
The warning came after the Question Hour, when Deputy Leader of the Opposition Arvind Bellad was permitted to initiate a discussion on the development of North Karnataka.
At this point, expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal objected, stating that he had been seeking a debate for the past three days but had not been given an opportunity.
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Responding to the objection, Speaker Khader said Bellad had already been granted permission and assured Yatnal that he would be allowed to speak at the next opportunity. He noted that even as a serious discussion was underway, several MLAs were speaking among themselves with their microphones on, disrupting the proceedings.
Expressing displeasure over the conduct of members, Khader likened the situation to football, where players receive red, yellow, or white cards for violations. Similarly, he said, the Assembly issues warning cards to members who disturb the House. If they fail to correct themselves despite repeated warnings, they would be required to remain seated in the Assembly hall for a full day as punishment, he stated.
