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
New US Census will have category ‘MENA’ for some citizens of Middle East, North Africa heritage
- Most Arab Americans still have to write in nationality
- Activists want ‘Arab’ category but this is ‘step forward’
CHICAGO: The US Census announced Thursday that upcoming forms will include the category “MENA,” meaning Middle Eastern or North African, but most Arab Americans will still be required to write in their nationalities.
Arab-American activists have been fighting for the inclusion of an “Arab” category on census forms for more than 50 years, and accepted a compromise to be included in the broader term “MENA.”
The MENA category identifies only four Arab nationalities — Lebanese, Syrian, Iraqi and Egyptian.
This announcement comes in the wake of Arab-American voters protesting what they believe has been President Joe Biden’s betrayal in ignoring their concerns over Israel’s war on Gaza.
In addition to the four Arab nationalities being identified with specific “Check Boxes,” the MENA category will also include check boxes for “Israeli” and “Iranian.”
All other Arab Americans, including citizens from Palestine and Jordan, who are among the largest of the Arab-American communities, will still be required to write in their nationalities on a blank line underneath.
Many Arab Americans believe the exclusion of the word “Arab” is a slight, and meant to satisfy the pro-Israel community.
‘I am very disappointed that they are not including all of the Arab countries. There are many Arab nationalities that are growing significantly including the Yemeni community which is among the fastest growing,” said Anna Mustafa, who began formally lobbying in 1980 for the inclusion of the Arab category in the US Census. Mustafa worked officially with the census as a partnership specialist in the 1990s and the 2000s.
“We were working on it in the political boundaries through the 1990s and 2000s but it got blocked and some group put a hold on everything. If Israel is being included, the Palestinian and Jordanian community should be included in that census form too,” she told Arab News.
Mustafa conceded that it is a “step forward.” But added: “It’s not what we wanted. But it is better than what we have.”
Mustafa said the community should not stop their advocacy for “full inclusion” of all 22 Arab nationalities.
Arab American Institute Executive Director Maya Berry, who has been advocating for the inclusion of the MENA category, praised the change as a “major accomplishment” and credited the Biden administration.
“For the first time, Arab Americans will be made visible — not just on the decennial census, but in all federal data that collects race and ethnicity and that is historic,” Berry said.“However, it is unfortunate that instead of celebrating what should have been this momentous victory for improved data collection and our community, we are concerned about the erasure of a key segment of our community and the very real possibility of continued undercounts.”
Abed Ayoub, the national executive director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, said: “This is a long-awaited day. We have a lot of work ahead of us, particularly as the federal government begins to apply this revision. From programming designed to uplift our businesses to addressing health disparities and beyond. This is a good first step, however we are aware that more work needs to be done to ensure there is full and accurate representation of the Arab-American community.”
Inclusion in the census has a major impact on ethnic and national communities and helps them qualify for federal funding to support their needs. In addition, it gives them special status to prevent politicians from dividing their vote, especially in congressional districts.
In 2021 the Biden administration worked with Democrats to redraw several congressional districts. They targeted the former 3rd Congressional District in Illinois which was identified as having the largest concentration of Palestinian-American voters of any congressional district. The district was divided into five different congressional districts, diluting the ability of Palestinian-American voters to elect one of their own to Congress.
In the 1980s, Hispanics were included in the census and the state was forced to create a congressional district that would increase the chances of the election of one of its members. In the 1990s that district elected Luis Gutierrez, and has had a Hispanic member of Congress ever since. The district is now represented by US Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia.
The census is taken every 10 years. Previously, Arab Americans were included in the “White” category and were only given the opportunity to write in their national identity. As a result, the Arab community did not qualify for federal grants or for political voting continuity in the redrawing of congressional districts, Mustafa noted.
Census officials acknowledge that the MENA category is “a minimum reporting category, separate and distinct from the White category.”
The census is managed by the Office of Management and Budget, which is a part of the US government. The full report on the revision is available for viewing here.
Pakistan official says China halts work on two projects after deadly attack
- The companies have demanded Pakistan authorities come up with new security plans before reopening the sites
- The security of Chinese workers, who are frequently targeted by militants, is a major concern to both countries
PESHAWAR: Chinese contractors have halted construction on two major dam projects in Pakistan after a suicide bomber killed five Chinese engineers and a Pakistani driver this week, a provincial official told AFP on Friday.
The companies have demanded that Pakistan authorities come up with new security plans before reopening the sites where around 1,250 Chinese nationals are working, the official said.
The security of Chinese workers is a major concern to both countries, with nationals frequently targeted by militants hostile to outside influence.
The workers were targeted on Tuesday by a suicide bomber who rammed into their vehicle on a mountainous road near one of the dam sites.
He detonated his explosives on impact, plunging their vehicle into a deep ravine.
A senior official from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa interior department told AFP on condition of anonymity that since Wednesday, China Gezhouba Group Company has halted work on the Dasu dam in the province and Power China has stopped work on Diamer Bhasha dam, which straddles two provinces.
“They have demanded new security plans from the government,” he said.
“Around 750 Chinese engineers are engaged in the Dasu Dam project, while 500 are working on the Diamer Bhasha Dam,” he added.
He said the movement of Chinese engineers has been restricted to the compounds where they live, close to the sites.
China has not commented, but this week repeatedly urged Pakistan to ensure the safety of its nationals.
Beijing is Islamabad’s closest regional ally, readily providing financial assistance to bail out its often-struggling neighbor.
China has inked more than two trillion dollars in contracts around the world under its Belt and Road investment scheme, with billions pouring into infrastructure projects in Pakistan.
But Pakistanis have long complained that they are not getting a fair share of jobs or wealth created by the projects.
Tuesday’s attack sparked a flurry of diplomatic activity at the Chinese embassy in Islamabad, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the foreign and interior ministers offering condolences in quick succession.
China’s foreign ministry declared the countries “iron-clad friends” but asked Pakistan to “take effective measures to ensure the safety and security of Chinese nationals, projects, and institutions.”
Tuesday’s attack came just days after militants attempted to storm offices of the Gwadar deepwater port in the southwest, considered a cornerstone of Chinese investment in Pakistan.
In 2019, gunmen stormed a luxury hotel in Balochistan province overlooking the flagship Chinese-backed deepwater seaport in Gwadar that gives strategic access to the Arabian Sea — killing at least eight people.
In June 2020, Baloch insurgents targeted the Pakistan Stock Exchange, which is partly owned by Chinese companies, in the commercial capital of Karachi.
Regional startups join forces to further propel the ecosystem
CAIRO: Startups across the Middle East and North Africa region are increasingly collaborating through strategic partnerships to enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Ventures from various industries are forging alliances, and signing agreements to bolster expansion, penetrate new markets, and enhance customer satisfaction initiatives.
At the forefront of these strategic partnerships, the Kingdom’s National Technology Development Program has joined forces with Outlier Ventures, a prominent global Web3 accelerator, to bolster the technology sector in Saudi Arabia.
Under the memorandum of understanding, the Base Camp Web3 accelerator program aims to support and cultivate the growth of promising Web3 startups in the Kingdom.
Participating startups will benefit from Outlier Ventures’ expertise, receiving guidance on product development, entity structuring, and token design from a team of in-house experts.
Additionally, these startups will gain invaluable insights and networking opportunities through direct interactions with leading mentors and investors in the Web3 domain.
“Under Vision 2030, the rapid pace of change and development is visible across all sectors of the economy. The achievements are testimony to the level of dedication and focus driving the Kingdom forward. Our strategic collaboration underscores our joint dedication to nurturing technological progress,” said Stephan Apel, CEO and founding partner of Outlier Ventures.
This collaboration marks the introduction of the first deep tech Web3 accelerator program in Riyadh, slated to begin later in 2024.
The initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and Outlier Venture’s commitment to nurturing global entrepreneurial talent, specifically targeting the burgeoning Web3 ecosystem within the Kingdom.
Inbox Business partners with AstroLabs for expansion in KSA
Pakistan’s Inbox Business Technologies sealed a partnership with business facilitator AstroLabs to support the former in entering the Saudi market.
Inbox Business Technologies, under the ownership of the Dawood Group, is renowned for its extensive experience in delivering transformative innovation across various technology domains in Pakistan.
With a workforce exceeding 1,800 professionals, Inbox is well-equipped to offer services in business applications, enterprise managed services, cloud migration, digital security, and cybersecurity.
The collaboration with AstroLabs will establish Inbox Business Arabia, the company’s Saudi branch, to capitalize on the burgeoning digital sector, enabling a timely and strategic market expansion in the Kingdom.
“Inbox Technologies Arabia is actively expanding its operations within Saudi Arabia, with several key projects currently in progress,” said Mohsin Ali, CEO of Inbox Business Technologies.
“Among these initiatives is the development of a content management database specifically for a multinational corporation based in Jeddah. Additionally, we’re playing a crucial role in delivering IT services and overseeing strategic programs for the nation’s foremost IT enterprise, along with a company owned by the Public Investment Fund,” he added.
True Gamers partners with Takefluence to introduce ambassador program
True Gamers and Takefluence have partnered to unveil an ambassador program dedicated to the gaming community.
This innovative initiative aims to empower gaming enthusiasts and content creators, providing them with a platform to express their creativity, engage with broader audiences, and convert their gaming passion into tangible opportunities.
“This partnership reflects a shared vision for the future of Gaming, eSport and content creation in the region, highlighting the synergies between technological innovation and community engagement,” said Archie Rudyuk, CEO and co-founder of Takefluence.
True Gamers is a UAE-based esports gaming cafe network with 150 outlets globally.
Takefluence is a platform that automates the onboarding, reporting and payouts for brands looking to launch their ambassador and creator campaigns, engage audience, and leverage influencers and user-generated content.
“By combining our resources and expertise, we are not just offering a platform for gamers and creators but also setting the stage for the next generation of gaming content. This initiative is about recognizing and amplifying the talents within our community, ensuring that the Middle East becomes a main hub of innovation and creativity in the global gaming scene,” said Vlad Belyanin, co-founder of True Gamers.
Deliveroo UAE teams up with Kayali to offer luxury fragrances
Deliveroo UAE has forged a partnership with Kayali, the prestigious perfume brand created by beauty entrepreneur Mona Kattan.
This collaboration marks a significant development in on-demand shopping, with Deliveroo being the exclusive aggregator to feature Kayali’s luxury fragrances on its new shopping vertical.
This move expands Deliveroo’s range of offerings and showcases its commitment to providing customers with convenient and premium shopping experiences.
Through this partnership, Deliveroo underscores its position as a trusted platform for brands and a provider of unique value to its customers across the UAE.
MBC Group acquires significant stake in Anghami
Saudi Arabian media giant MBC Group, via its MBC Ventures division, has acquired over 4 million ordinary shares in the Nasdaq-listed music streaming service Anghami.
This purchase secures MBC Group a 13.7 percent ownership in Anghami and raises its stake’s value to $6.48 million from $4.074 million.
The acquisition also coincided with a substantial 59 percent increase in Anghami’s share price on March 20, which soared to $1.59 from $1 the previous day.
Ahlan App secures $3m in funding
Bahrain’s Ahlan App, a loyalty program and delivery service, has secured a $3 million investment at a $15 million valuation in a round led by Hope Ventures, with contributions from Al Rajhi Holdings and other angel investors.
Founded in 2021 by Faisal Rashed, Ahlan rewards users with cashback for dining in, picking up, or home delivery services.
This fresh influx of capital is earmarked for increasing Ahlan’s market presence, emphasizing its commitment to enhancing customer loyalty and expanding its services.
Egypt’s Sprints.ai raises $3m
Sprints.ai, an Egypt-based edtech firm, has raised $3 million in a bridge round led by Disruptech Ventures, with contributions from EdVentures and Challenge Fund for Youth Employment, among others.
Founded by Ayman Bazaraa and Bassam Sharkawy in 2020, Sprints.ai is addressing the tech talent shortage in the Middle East and Africa region by offering a guaranteed hiring program to prepare qualified candidates for the job market.
This new funding will support Sprints.ai’s ambitious plan to penetrate 10 new markets, reinforcing its mission to bridge the educational gap in technology sectors across the region.
Saudi e-commerce thrives as sales using Mada cards reach $3.76bn in February
RIYADH: Saudi e-commerce sales using Mada cards reached SR14.11 billion ($3.76 billion) in February – an annual increase of 25 percent, the Kingdom’s central bank has revealed.
This figure includes transactions through online shopping, in-app purchases and e-wallets, and excludes transactions by Visa, MasterCard and other credit cards.
The number of e-commerce transactions also increased by 44 percent on a year-on-year basis to reach more than 84 million in February.
The shift in consumer behavior post-COVID-19, supported by regulatory reforms, robust internet infrastructure, and the continuous advancement of sophisticated e-commerce businesses, has been key drivers of the shift away from cash.
In the past three years, online sales in Saudi Arabia surged by almost 60 percent across various categories, with significant growth seen in media products, apparel, and footwear segments, according to the American International Trade Administration in a January commercial guide.
Additionally, the average spend per e-commerce user in the Kingdom rose by over 50 percent.
The organization anticipates continuous growth, projecting Saudi Arabia to reach 33.6 million e-commerce users by 2024, marking a 42 percent increase from 2019.
Factors contributing to this growth include the country’s 97 percent smartphone penetration rate, high mobile broadband subscriptions, and ranking as the 10th country globally for internet speed.
Moreover, 72 percent of Saudis over the age of 15 possess bank accounts highlighting the readiness of the population for digital transactions and online commerce.
The organization emphasized the prevalence of local platforms and the introduction of new entrants like Amazon Prime, which debuted in January 2021.
Other contributing factors include the government’s initiatives to enhance the sector’s regulatory framework, aimed at bolstering confidence among Saudis and encouraging the use of its platforms, with a focus on protecting consumers and businesses alike.
However, the organization also highlighted challenges for this sector, particularly the need to strengthen cyber-security measures to counter malicious emailing, which poses risks such as phishing scams exposing sensitive information like passwords, financial details, and personal data.
The shift to online shopping became apparent in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, significantly altering consumer behavior and impacting traditional retail outlets. The rise of e-commerce has proven essential, providing digital access to products and enabling businesses to adapt to changing market trends and consumer preferences.
This trend is reflected in data from the Kingdom’s central bank, also known as SAMA, showing a remarkable surge in e-commerce sales. In 2020, at the onset of the pandemic, sales increased by 279 percent, soaring from SR10.25 billion in 2019 to nearly SR39 billion.
This momentum continued in 2021 with a further annual rise of approximately 91 percent, reaching SR74 billion, and a subsequent increase of 65 percent in 2022 to SR123 billion. By the end of 2023, e-commerce sales through Mada cards had reached SR157 billion, underscoring the sector’s robust growth.
According to data from the German e-commerce database website, the top five online retailers in Saudi Arabia’s e-commerce sector for 2023 are jarir.com, nahdionline.com, amazon.sa, extra.com, and namshi.com.
Jarir.com leads the market with revenues of $452.8 million in 2023, followed by nahdionline.com with $330.1 million in sales, and amazon.sa with $328.5 million.
These top three online retailers collectively account for a market share of 38.7 percent among the top 100 stores in the Kingdom’s e-commerce market, as reported by the database.
The ranking is based on the top stores by net sales in the market for the year 2023.
According to a 2023 Deloitte Digital report, these companies are utilizing data and analytics to gain deeper insights into their customer base, tailoring their offerings to better meet their needs.
The Kingdom has come a long way from a population initially lacking trust in online retailers, limited payment options, and product diversity, to now holding the potential to become a thriving e-commerce market, according to the firm.
This transformation is particularly supported by the Saudi government’s implementation of various initiatives aimed at boosting the digital economy’s contribution to the Kingdom’s gross domestic product.
The adaptability of the regulatory framework and its adjustments to market dynamics have created an environment conducive to the growth of e-commerce and the flourishing of innovative technologies.
As the industry evolves, new payment methods are emerging, prompting the central bank to establish a sandbox for testing and regulating these innovations. This serves as a crucial platform for the industry to experiment with and adopt new technologies.
Additionally, the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission introduced a dedicated sandbox for delivery applications, streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency for e-commerce businesses.
Regulatory initiatives have facilitated the entry of major players like STC, and partnerships such as Aramco’s collaboration with Google Cloud have further supported and provided infrastructure for all participants in the e-commerce ecosystem, Deloitte added.
Furthermore, the establishment of free zones has played a pivotal role in simplifying logistics and expediting the movement of goods, thus bolstering Saudi Arabia’s e-commerce landscape.
Deloitte forecasts a remarkable surge in the sector, with a projected market volume of $23.46 billion by 2027. Additionally, the number of e-commerce users in the Kingdom is expected to reach 34.5 million by 2025, with user penetration increasing from 66.7 percent in 2023 to 74.7 percent by 2027.
Dubai’s historic Euroleague Basketball winners now head to Berlin
- Adidas Next Generation Tournament Qualifier took place for the first time at Coca-Cola Arena from March 22-24
- Ratiopharm Ulm emerged victorious to secure a spot at the 2024 ANGT finals in Berlin from May 24-26
DUBAI: The Euroleague Basketball Adidas Next Generation Tournament made history in Dubai as the first such contest at the Coca-Cola Arena from March 22 to 24, and now Berlin beckons for the winners in May.
The event marked a significant milestone in Dubai’s basketball scene, featuring eight teams representing over 25 nationalities, with Dubai contributing nine, including the local heroes Falcons Academy.
Ratiopharm Ulm clinched victory over Zalgiris Kaunas 89-84 in the final to secure a spot in the final four in Berlin from May 24 to 26, while Adidas Next Generation Team finished third. Ratiopharm Ulm’s Noah Essengue was awarded the title of Most-Valued Player.
The tournament in Dubai — hosted by Falcons Academy — marked the first time a qualifier has been hosted in the Middle East, and outside of continental Europe. This has highlighted Dubai’s growing involvement in the global basketball sports arena.
The tournament featured a three-point shootout and slam-dunk contest and was sponsored by DMCC, La Gazzetta dela Sport, Phoenix Capital, Nirvana Tourism, MARCA, and the longstanding partnership with adidas spanning over a decade.
The tournament also received significant support from the Dubai Sports Council, the UAE Basketball Association, Dubai Holding and the Coca-Cola Arena.