DHAKA: Human rights groups urged Bangladesh on Thursday to stop its plan to ship thousands of Rohingya refugees to a remote island as officials said the first group of 400 could leave later in the day.
Police escorted the refugees in 10 buses from Ukhiya in Cox’s Bazar for the journey to Chittagong port and then on to Bhasan Char – a flood-prone Bay of Bengal island that emerged from the sea 20 years ago.
Bangladesh says moving refugees who agree to go to the island will ease chronic overcrowding in its camps which are home to more than 1 million Rohingya, members of a Muslim minority who have fled neighboring Myanmar.
“The authorities should immediately halt relocation of more refugees to Bhashan Char,” Amnesty International’s South Asia Campaigner Saad Hammadi said in a statement.
US-based advocacy group Refugees International said the plan was “short-sighted and inhumane” while the Fortify Rights Group said the relocations may be “coerced and involuntary” and should cease immediately.
Mohammed Shamsud Douza, the deputy Bangladesh government official in charge of refugees, said the relocation was voluntary.
“They are going there happily. No one is forced. The government has taken all measures to deal with disasters, including their comfortable living and livelihood.”
A senior foreign ministry official said the refugees were being moved because there was little prospect of repatriating them to Myanmar.
Bangladeshi officials said the first 400 of 2,500 refugees would leave on Thursday evening, depending on the tide. The journey takes several hours.
More than 730,000 Rohingya fled Myanmar in 2017 following a military-led crackdown that the United Nations has said was executed with genocidal intent. Myanmar denies genocide and says its forces were targeting Rohingya militants who attacked police posts.
A senior Bangladeshi official has said housing was built for 100,000 people on the island and authorities want to relocate them during the November to April dry season when the sea is calm.
The United Nations said in a statement it had been given “limited information” about the relocations and was not involved in preparations.
Omar Faruq, one Rohingya leader who had been on a government trip, said the island was “truly beautiful,” with better facilities than in the refugee camps and that he would be ready to go, but that most people did not want to go there.
“We don’t want to end up living an isolated prison-like life,” said Nurul Amin, one Rohingya refugee who was not on the list.
More than 300 refugees were brought to the island earlier this year after several months at sea in an attempt to flee Bangladesh. Rights groups say they are being held against their will and have complained of human rights violations.
Rights groups urge Bangladesh not to ship Rohingya to island
https://arab.news/96ac6
Rights groups urge Bangladesh not to ship Rohingya to island
- Police escorted the refugees in 10 buses from Ukhiya in Cox’s Bazar for the journey to Chittagong port and then on to Bhasan Char
Mali’s army claims arrest of Daesh group leader
BAMAKO: Mali’s army said Saturday its forces had arrested two men, one of them a leading figure in the Sahel branch of the Daesh group.
The army announced they had also killed several of the group’s fighters during an operation in the north of the country.
A statement from the army said they had arrested “Mahamad Ould Erkehile alias Abu Rakia,” as well as “Abu Hash,” who they said was a leading figure in the group.
They blamed him for coordinating atrocities against people in the Menaka and Gao regions in the northeast of the country, as well as attacks against the army.
Mali has faced profound unrest since 2012 linked both to militants associated with Al-Qaeda and the Daesh group, and to local criminal gangs.
The country’s military rulers have broken ties with former colonial power France and turned, militarily and politically, to Russia.
Audi strengthens partnership with Key Car Rental
Audi Saudi Arabia and Samaco Motors, the exclusive dealer for Audi cars in the Kingdom, are celebrating their enduring partnership with Key Car Rental, a partner since 1998. The collaboration has grown stronger over the years, with Key Car Rental selecting a curated fleet of Audi vehicles to meet the diverse needs of premium rental customers across the Kingdom. The partnership has enjoyed an increase in the purchase of Audi cars, with a diverse fleet including Audi A4, A6 and A8 models, in addition to the Audi Q2 and Q3 now also available across rental points of sales across the Kingdom.
To honor the partnership, Audi and Key Car Rental recently hosted a celebration at the Audi showroom in Jeddah. The event marked the delivery of the latest additions to Key Car Rental’s growing premium rental fleet and highlighted the increasing demand for Audi vehicles in the Saudi rental market. Top management from both Key Car Rental and Audi Saudi Arabia were in attendance, as well as representatives from sales and marketing divisions, all of whom celebrated the continued success of this collaboration.
“The continuous expansion of our fleet with Audi range has been a significant milestone for Key Car Rental, marking a new era in our service offering with the help of Audi’s seamless operations, which has greatly contributed to increasing our sales and customer satisfaction,” said Khalid Baghdadi, CEO of Key Car Rental.
Key Car Rental demonstrated unwavering trust in Audi’s product portfolio, by purchasing 100 units of the Audi Q2 and Q3 models, which were strategically distributed across their PoS locations throughout the Kingdom.
This bold move underscored the growing demand for the luxury segment within the Saudi rental market. The entry SUV models Audi Q2 and Q3 perfectly balance premium, performance, and affordability, meeting the needs of customers who seek premium quality at a competitive price point. The Q2, compact yet efficient, combines urban versatility with Audi’s cutting-edge design, making it ideal for those who value agility and style. Meanwhile, the Q3 offers a refined driving experience, blending performance and comfort to provide the perfect solution for customers seeking a practical, yet premium vehicle.
“This collaboration has been a significant turning point for us. The addition of these vehicles to our fleet highlights our commitment to providing exceptional, premium experiences for both business and leisure clients,” said Saleh Aljerwi, COO of Key Car Rental.
In 2014, Key Car Rental successfully facilitated more than 29,000 Audi rentals across Saudi Arabia, with a growing selection of models available for customers to choose from.
“This partnership with Key Car Rental has been instrumental in driving Audi’s growth in the region. As we continue to strengthen our presence, we are proud to offer a diverse fleet of vehicles that elevates the rental experience in Saudi Arabia for local customers and the increasing business travel and leisure tourism the Kingdom continues to enjoy,” said Simon Horabin, general manager of Audi Saudi Arabia.
Where We Are Going Today: Just Taco
If you are craving bold flavors and authentic Mexican street food, Just Taco in Riyadh is worth a visit. Known for its lively atmosphere and delicious menu, the restaurant combines casual dining with a fun twist.
The menu features flavorful choices such as the taco mix platter, offering a variety of tacos packed with authentic Mexican spices. For sharing, the loaded nachos are a hit, with crispy tortilla chips topped with gooey cheese, jalapenos and fresh pico de gallo.
Another standout is the cheesy fries with pulled beef, a hearty dish that combines creamy, savory and crunchy elements.
The food impresses with its freshness and quality, ensuring every bite is flavorful. With reasonable prices, it is an excellent spot to experience authentic Mexican cuisine.
Just Taco has quickly become a favorite for taco enthusiasts in Riyadh, offering consistent quality and memorable flavors.
The cozy ambiance, highlighted by vibrant green and yellow decor, creates a cheerful and welcoming vibe. Friendly staff further enhance the experience, making it a great choice for casual meals with friends or family.
One potential drawback is the shared-gender restroom, which may not suit everyone. However, the excellent food and lively atmosphere more than compensate for this.
For more information, visit their Instagram: @justtaco.sa.
Isak fires Newcastle to victory at struggling Spurs
- Spurs’ ambition of a top- four finish already looks over after a run of one win in eight league games since a stunning 4-0 victory at Premier League champions Manchester City.
- Tottenham sit 11th in the table, but a spirited performance from Postecoglou’s stretched squad deserved more as Newcastle were left clinging on in the closing stages.
LONDON: Under-fire Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou said he was angry his injury-ravaged side did not get their rewards for a battling performance as Alexander Isak’s strike earned in-form Newcastle a 2-1 win on Saturday.
Both sides struck inside the first six minutes as Anthony Gordon’s controversial equalizer canceled out Dominic Solanke’s opener for Spurs. Isak then scored for the seventh consecutive Premier League game to claim a sixth straight win in all competitions for Newcastle.
The Magpies remain in fifth but move level on points with fourth- placed Chelsea in the battle for a place in next season’s Champions League. Spurs’ ambition of a top-four finish already looks over after a run of one win in eight league games since a stunning 4-0 victory at Premier League champions Manchester City.
Tottenham sit 11th in the table, but a spirited performance from Postecoglou’s stretched squad deserved more as Newcastle were left clinging on in the closing stages.
“I’m so proud, so happy with this group of players the way they played and I’m really angry that they didn’t get the rewards they deserved today,” said Postecoglou.
“I loved everything. The players were given an enormous task and didn’t make any excuses. We deserved to win the game today.”
Spurs were without first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario along with defenders Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie and Ben Davies through injury plus the suspended Rodrigo Bentancur.
The loss of stand-in ‘keeper Fraser Forster to illness meant Postecoglou was forced to throw in Brandon Austin for his Spurs debut.
Slow starts, particularly at home, have been a major part of Spurs’ struggles under Postecoglou but they got off to a flyer. In front of the watching new England manager Thomas Tuchel, Solanke did his case for international recognition no harm with a fine downward header from Pedro Porro’s cross on four minutes.
The lead lasted barely over two minutes, albeit the equal- izer arrived in controversial circumstances.
Joelinton blocked Lucas Bergvall’s pass with his arm to gift Bruno Guimaraes possession and the Brazilian fed in Gordon to fire home. However, a VAR review deemed Joelinton’s handball was not deliberate and the goal stood. Isak needs no help to find the net on current form but got it from an under-manned Spurs defense seven minutes before half-time.
Radu Dragusin deflected Jacob Murphy’s low cross onto the foot of the Swedish striker, who took his tally for the season to 14 goals in all competitions.
Spurs were dealt a further blow as Dragusin, who had been a doubt due to illness, was forced off at the break, leaving Postecoglou without a single natural center back to choose from.
Midfielder Archie Gray and fullback Djed Spence deputized manfully as Tottenham did all the pressing in the second half.
Brennan Johnson blasted off the post after Pape Sarr’s effort had been parried by Martin Dubravka.
Experience the horror house with a Saudi twist at Souq Al-Awaleen
- Visitors are warmly welcomed by actors representing different regions of the Kingdom
RIYADH: From the northern to the eastern regions of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh’s Souq Al-Awaleen unites the diverse cultures of the Kingdom.
Visitors are greeted with warm welcomes from actors representing each region, allowing them to appreciate the variety of Saudi traditions and the distinct traditional outfits of every area.
Guests can explore the culture of coastal cities, like Jeddah, and mountainous regions such as Asir, experiencing a true melting pot of Saudi culture. They can don the flower headbands and traditional attire of the southern people, and take part in the Ardah dance from the central Najd region, brandishing Arabian swords.
The immersive experience continues as actors reenact everyday life, such as teaching in a classroom. Visitors can sit at school desks, use chalk to write on the blackboard, and take an Arabic language class that evokes nostalgic memories for many.
Additionally, guests can step into an old prison to imagine life behind bars, and browse a selection of nostalgic toys that offers a delightful trip down memory lane.
Each corner of the souq tells a unique story, offering authentic handicrafts, traditional attire and an array of spices that capture the essence of various regions.
HIGHLIGHT
Visitors can sit at school desks, use chalk to write on the blackboard, and take an Arabic language class that evokes nostalgic memories for many.
One of the standout attractions in the souq is the horror house themed around Saudi folklore, known as Al-Sa’alawa. The chilling experience is inspired by tales of a mysterious creature that has captivated the imagination of many.
The Al-Sa’alwa tent offers a thrilling horror house experience that immerses visitors in the legends of Saudi folklore. Osama Al-Balawai, an actor in the tent, describes the creature Al-Sa’alwa, which has become the subject of various interpretations.
Some view it as a ghost, others as a male figure, while some believe it takes the form of a beautiful woman. Regardless of its form, caution is advised when encountering this enigmatic being.
“Join us at the Al-Sa’alwa tent for an unforgettable experience,” Al-Balawai told Arab News. “Will you emerge safe, or will you be captivated by the legend?
“We encourage you to visit Souq Al-Awaleen to partake in this thrilling adventure. We can’t wait to see you there!”
In addition to the horror experience, Arab News discovered Bin Ghaith Textiles, a fabric shop in the market. Owner Hassan passionately shared his love for textiles, highlighting their historical significance.
“My passion is textiles and the history behind them,” he said. “I collect organic fibers and enjoy exploring what people wore before the rise of synthetic materials. This gives me a chance to connect with history.”
Hassan said that his interest lies in the organic materials used in the past, such as linen, cotton, silk and wool, contrasting sharply with today’s disposable fashion culture.
“The market is the heart of any city,” he said. “It reflects the identity of the place, offering insights into its culture and history.”
This year marks Hassan’s second time at Souq Al-Awaleen, where he appreciates the diverse crowd that arrives to explore the rich tapestry of Saudi heritage.
“The younger generation is especially curious about what their ancestors wore and how textiles have evolved,” he said. “It’s essential to preserve this knowledge and tradition.”
The market, which offers free entry, also hosts handicrafts, folk art and live performances. Local artisans have a platform to showcase their work, and visitors can take part in workshops focusing on traditional Sadu weaving and pottery.
In addition to its artisanal offerings, Souq Al-Awaleen serves up a taste of authentic Saudi cuisine at Sufrat Al-Deira. The atmosphere evokes a bygone era, enhanced by cooking demonstrations and other cultural performances.
This year’s Riyadh Season runs until March 2025 and has already drawn more than 13 million attendees, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
