Bangladesh continues curfew as students await official notice on government job reforms

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Updated 22 July 2024
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Bangladesh continues curfew as students await official notice on government job reforms

Bangladesh continues curfew as students await official notice on government job reforms
  • Bangladesh internet connection has been cut off since Thursday night
  • Main student group says not all of their demands have been met 

DHAKA: Bangladesh remains under curfew and a widespread communications blackout on Monday, a day after the Supreme Court scaled back a controversial job-quota system following deadly clashes that have killed more than 100 people over the past week. 

University students have been demonstrating since the beginning of this month to demand a reformation of the quota system that reserved 30 percent of government jobs for relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladesh’s 1971 liberation war. 

The peaceful protests turned violent last week, with clashes between student protesters and security forces killing 174 people and injuring thousands, according to a count by Bengali daily Prothom Alo, which reported over a dozen deaths on Sunday alone. 

Bangladesh was still under curfew for a third day on Monday, with military personnel patrolling the capital and other areas, while internet connection remained suspended across the country since it was disrupted from Thursday night. 

“Everything is in order today across the country, except a few separate incidents in Dhaka, Narayanganj and Narsingdi,” Biplab Barua, special assistant to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, told Arab News. 

“We hope that in the next 48 hours, the situation will take a better look, and the country will go for normal operations. We are expecting to restore the broadband Internet services tonight (Monday). As soon as the situation takes a normal look, the length of curfew hours will be eased.” 

On Sunday, the Supreme Court ordered for the quota reserved for relatives of veterans to be cut to 5 percent and for 93 percent of jobs to be allocated on merit, while the remaining 2 percent will be reserved for members of ethnic minorities and people with disabilities. 

Bangladesh’s top court was ruling on an appeal. The government had abolished the quotas following student protests in 2018 but they were reinstated by the High Court in June, setting off a fresh round of demonstrations. 

“Our students are not responsible for the anarchy and atrocities on the streets. It’s the opposition parties … which hijacked the movement from the students,” Barua said. 

“Students’ demands have been fulfilled by the court, and the government will issue a circular by Tuesday regarding the quota system in the government job.” 

Students Against Discrimination, the main protest organizing group, said on Monday that some of their demands are still unmet, including the reopening of universities as well as investigations into the deadly crackdown. 

Student protesters are also waiting for the government to issue an official notification on the Supreme Court decision. 

“Since the curfew is underway, we are not on the streets at the moment. It will endanger the lives of our students,” Sarjis Alam, a protest coordinator with Students Against Discrimination, told Arab News.  

“At the moment, we are waiting to see the government circular on the quota system … We demanded reformation of quota systems in all grades of government jobs … It’s very important to us,” he said. “(After) seeing the government’s circular, we can comment whether our demands were addressed or not.” 


Amroti ‘Water’ Mosque: Century-old symbol of faith and resistance in southern Pakistan

Amroti ‘Water’ Mosque: Century-old symbol of faith and resistance in southern Pakistan
Updated 02 April 2025
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Amroti ‘Water’ Mosque: Century-old symbol of faith and resistance in southern Pakistan

Amroti ‘Water’ Mosque: Century-old symbol of faith and resistance in southern Pakistan
  • Mosque was built around 1890 under guidance of Syed Taj Mahmood Shah Amroti, first translator of Qur’an into Sindhi language 
  • Mosque’s location became problem when British wanted to built Sukkur Barrage but resistance by Amroti and followers forced retreat 

SHIKARPUR, Sindh: Standing on seven pillars in the middle of the Kirthar Canal, a unique mosque in Pakistan’s southern Shikarpur district is more than just a place of worship — it is a symbol of defiance and resistance against British colonial rule.

With its whitewashed walls rising above the flowing waters, the Amroti Mosque’s architecture is as unique as its story.

The mosque was first constructed from mud, wood and palm tree trunks on a mound around 1890 under the guidance of scholar and educationalist Syed Taj Mahmood Shah Amroti, who was the first to translate the Holy Qur’an into the Sindhi landguage and provide detailed explanations of its teachings. For years, the mosque served as a place of workshop for the residents of Junejo village in Shikarpur until its location became an issue when the British colonial rulers of India decided to build the Sukkur Barrage and its canals, ordering the demolition of the masjid.

Historical accounts say Amroti sent over 20 letters to authorities asking to change the canal’s route but received no response and the British eventually issued a warrant for his arrest.

“In 1922, the British government started the Kirthar Canal project to irrigate uncultivated lands of Sindh and Balochistan [provinces],” Sayed Rushdullah Shah Amroti, the administrator of Amroti Mosque and the great grandson of Amroti, told Arab News. 

The picture taken on March 19, 2025, shows blue tiles in the Amroti Mosque in Pakistan’s southern Shikarpur district. (AN Photo)

“When Hazrat Amroti came to know that the British government wanted to demolish the mosque, he decided to camp here and offered stiff resistance to British authorities.”

When British officials arrived with machines to demolish the mosque, local villagers joined Amroti in a massive protest. In the end, the British agreed not to destroy the mosque and instead promised to strengthen its structure so that both the mosque and the canal could remain.

“The impact of the resistance was that the British government was forced to kneel down,” Sayed said. “They left the mosque as it was and made the canal around its four sides.”

The mosque in its present shape was subsequently built, serving as a reminder of the importance of both faith and rebellion as it stood amid the waters of the Kirthar Canal, which originates from the Indus River at Sukkur Barrage and became operational in 1932 as a vital watercourse for Balochistan, particularly districts like Jafarabad and Naseerabad. 

The picture taken on March 19, 2025, shows Amroti Mosque constructed in the middle of Kirthar Canal in Pakistan’s southern Shikarpur district. (AN Photo)


“STRANGE SPIRITUAL STATE” 

In the past, residents would use boats to reach Amroti Mosque for prayers but after independence from British rule in 1947 and the creation of the two separate nations of Pakistan and India, the government rebuilt a proper structure for the mosque, constructed a bridge for easier access and ensured that water continued to flow beneath it.

Though the small mosque only allows 10-12 people to pray at a time, it holds great cultural and spiritual value for the people of the area.

“We are very proud of the religious and Islamic achievements of our ancestors, and wherever we go in the world, the respect we receive because of our connection to Amroti Sharif is largely due to the role of this mosque,” Rushdullah said.

Nasim Bukhari, a local writer, described the mosque as a “great symbol of resistance in history.” 

Worshippers pray at the Amroti Mosque in Pakistan’s southern Shikarpur district. (AN Photo)

“And this has been the history of Sindh, that we have never accepted defeat. Even if we had to face defeat, we would die with our names still alive. We never ran away,” he said. 

Amroti’s struggle was part of a larger resistance movement in Sindh, according to Bukhari.

“Syed Taj Mahmood Amroti fought against the British in his time and became a symbol of resistance. The people of that time, unarmed, fought with perseverance,” the author said, highlighting Amroti as an inspiration for others. One of his disciples, Syed Salah Aajiz Memon, later became the first Sindhi and Muslim figure against whom the British filed a case for rebellion.

“The name and deeds of our leader, Syed Taj Mahmood Amroti, have had their impact, but the resistance movement led by his followers and disciples also carries a remarkable legacy,” Bukhari said.

The picture taken on March 19, 2025, shows aerial view of the Amroti Mosque constructed in the middle of Kirthar Canal in Pakistan’s southern Shikarpur district. (AN Photo)

To date, the mosque continues to serve as a place of deep spirituality and worshippers describe a “profound sense of peace” at the place, especially when the water runs high and the mosque appears to be floating in the canal.

“While praying here, a strange spiritual state occurs,” Maulana Shahnawaz Baloch, the prayer leader at the mosque, told Arab News. 

“At this time, the water level is low, yet there is still a spiritual atmosphere. When the water level is higher due to the season, a completely different spiritual experience takes place.”

 

 


Mixture of energy, solemnity during this year’s Arab American Heritage Month

Mixture of energy, solemnity during this year’s Arab American Heritage Month
Updated 9 min 16 sec ago
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Mixture of energy, solemnity during this year’s Arab American Heritage Month

Mixture of energy, solemnity during this year’s Arab American Heritage Month
  • Israeli violence has ‘dampened’ celebrations, Arab America Foundation president tells Arab News
  • Senator: ‘From culture and science to activism and business, Arab Americans continue to thrive and inspire’

Chicago: This year’s Arab American Heritage Month is being celebrated in a mixed atmosphere of energetic pride and solemn concern for events overseas, under the theme “Honoring the past, inspiring the future.”

Arab Americans used to celebrate at different times in different states, but the community came together in 2017 to consolidate the heritage month in April.

Leaders from around the country said this year’s celebrations have a solemn tone because of turmoil in Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen.

Warren David, president of the Arab America Foundation, told Arab News: “We’ll honor legendary songstress Umm Kulthum on the 50th anniversary of her passing. We’re also partnering with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library for a special workshop on understanding Arabic music.”

He said an “exceptional” performance is being planned at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage in Washington D.C., entitled “Sounds of the Arab world” and featuring musician Nibal Malshi.

However, David acknowledged that Israeli violence “has dampened the celebration as many Arab Americans are distraught with the current situation — tragic loss of life, no ceasefire, no plan for a Palestinian state. We hope to see a peaceful solution.”

He added that while Arab American Heritage Month is officially recognized by 20 US states, AAF is working to secure recognition from the remaining 30.

According to the Arab American Institute, there are about 3.5 million Arabs in the US, in all 50 states.

Major populations are located in 11 states: California, Michigan, New York, Florida, New Jersey, Illinois, Texas, Ohio, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

To mark Arab American Heritage Month, AAI is hosting a celebration on April 3 at the Theater Alliance in Washington D.C., featuring playwright Kareem Fahmy and comedian Rola Z.

Michigan’s Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer released a video and statement on X saying: “Happy Arab American Heritage Month, Michigan. This month, we celebrate Michigan’s strong, proud Arab-American community.

“They have, and continue to make, immeasurable contributions to our state’s economy, culture and our future.

“Michigan is a stronger, better state because of the diverse groups of people who call it home. This month and all year long, let’s celebrate our friends and neighbors in this community.”

Several New York legislators, all Democrats, took to X to applaud Arab American Heritage Month.

New York City Assembly member Harvey Epstein said: “Let’s celebrate all that Arab-American culture brings to New York.”

New York State Sen. Pete Harckham said: “We acknowledge the amazing contributions of Arab Americans both nationally and here in New York.”

The month, he added, is “a time to celebrate the rich culture, contributions and history of Arab Americans who’ve enriched our communities and nation.

“From culture and science to activism and business, Arab Americans continue to thrive and inspire.”

New York State Sen. Andrew Gounardes said: “This Arab American Heritage Month, I celebrate Arab-American achievements and culture across the arts and sciences, in business and industry, in education and medicine, and in every branch of the military. These contributions enrich our nation and move us toward a brighter future.”

In Illinois, Hassan Nijem, president of the American Arab Chamber of Commerce, told Arab News that celebrations are being planned with several elected officials including Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, who had her website and services brochures translated into Arabic.

The annual Arab American Festival and Miss Arab USA pageant, both in Arizona, are recognized as the largest Arab heritage celebrations nationwide, and attract communities from across the country.


Singapore detains two teenagers, one over plan to shoot mosques, other planned to join Daesh

Singapore detains two teenagers, one over plan to shoot mosques, other planned to join Daesh
Updated 11 min 57 sec ago
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Singapore detains two teenagers, one over plan to shoot mosques, other planned to join Daesh

Singapore detains two teenagers, one over plan to shoot mosques, other planned to join Daesh
  • The 17-year-old male who was detained and subscribed to far-right extremist ideology
  • The second detained youth was a 15-year-old female who wanted to marry a Daesh fighter

SINGAPORE: Singapore used an internal security law against two teenagers separately, one over plans to attack mosques and the other for wanting to fight in Syria alongside Daesh militants, authorities said on Wednesday.
The 17-year-old male was detained and subscribed to far-right extremist ideology, seeing himself as an “East Asian supremacist,” authorities said.
He wanted to shoot mosques and had unsuccessfully tried to buy guns, including from the United States, Malaysia and Thailand, the internal security department said.
The teenager wanted to “maximize casualties” and kill at least 100 Muslims, to outdo the 2019 Christchurch attack in which a gunman killed 51 worshippers in a mosque, it said.
Detained in March under the island’s Internal Security Act, he could be held for up to two years without trial.
He was identified following an investigation into an 18-year-old detained in December over similar far-right extremism, authorities said.
Authorities said they were concerned about youth radicalization in Singapore, and have used the Internal Security Act against 17 youth aged 20 and under since 2015.
That law allows suspects to be held for lengthy periods without trial, or to be given a restriction order limiting travel and Internet access, among other conditions.
Of the 17 detained in the past ten years, nine planned to carry out attacks in multi-racial Singapore, where 74 percent of residents are Chinese, 13.6 percent Malay, 9 percent Indian, and 3.3 percent is classified as other, according to population statistics.
The second detained youth was a 15-year-old female who wanted to marry a Daesh fighter and raise a pro-Daesh family or fight for the extremist group in Syria, said the internal security department.
She was issued with a restriction order in February.
“Self-radicalization can happen very quickly. In the case of the 15-year-old, it only took weeks. It is thus critical that the public be vigilant to signs that someone around us may have become radicalized,” said the internal security department.


Saudia expands European footprint with seasonal Jeddah-Vienna route

Saudia expands European footprint with seasonal Jeddah-Vienna route
Updated 19 min 30 sec ago
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Saudia expands European footprint with seasonal Jeddah-Vienna route

Saudia expands European footprint with seasonal Jeddah-Vienna route

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s national carrier Saudia has launched direct flights from Jeddah to Vienna, enhancing its presence in Europe as part of a broader network expansion strategy. 

The airline will operate three weekly flights on the route, which debuted with an Airbus A320 service from King Abdulaziz International Airport to Vienna International Airport, the company said in a statement.

Saudia plans to extend the service with flights from Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport starting in June. 

The Vienna route is part of a previously announced plan to introduce 11 new destinations this year, including Venice, Athens, and Nice as well as Malaga and Bali.

The expansion comes as Saudia posted a 16 percent year-on-year increase in international passenger traffic in 2024, aligning with the Kingdom’s National Tourism Strategy, which targets 150 million annual visitors by 2030. 

“This new destination is an addition to Saudia’s network of over 100 destinations across four continents, supporting national efforts to grow tourism, entertainment, sports, and religious travel, including Hajj and Umrah,” the airline said in a post on its official X account. 

The airline is also adding capacity to key leisure markets, having launched a three-weekly service to Bali earlier this week, its second regular route to Indonesia after Jakarta. 

The inaugural flight, SV856, departed from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah on March 31, operated by a Boeing B787 Dreamliner.

Last month, the airline also signed an agreement with Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs to expand pilgrim transportation and improve services for the 2025 Hajj season.

The new services strengthen Saudia’s role in the Kingdom’s Air Connectivity Program, which has introduced more than 60 direct international routes since its 2021 launch. With a fleet of 147 Boeing and Airbus aircraft, the airline plans to expand further, with 118 new aircraft set to join its operations. 

Saudia is gradually expanding its network by adding both scheduled and seasonal destinations. 

As part of its 2025 network expansion, Saudia is also set to launch flights to Antalya, Turkiye, and Salalah, Oman, underscoring its broader goal of increasing global market share and positioning itself as a key player in international travel.


Oil, sand and speed: Saudi gearheads take on towering dunes

Oil, sand and speed: Saudi gearheads take on towering dunes
Updated 18 min 35 sec ago
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Oil, sand and speed: Saudi gearheads take on towering dunes

Oil, sand and speed: Saudi gearheads take on towering dunes
  • Drivers modified their cars to improve performance months in advance
  • For many dune bashing and desert drifting is a passion that began in adolescence

Az Zulfi — SAU
Az Zulfi, Saudi Arabia, April 2, 2025 : Wearing a helmet and strapped securely into his four-wheel-drive, Abdelilah Al-Rabea tore off across the Saudi desert, kicking up clouds of sand as a crowd of hundreds cheered him on.
Every year through the end of April, droves of people flock to Zulfi, more than 200 kilometers northwest of Riyadh, where adrenaline-seeking motorists drive superpowered cars across steep dunes.
Dune bashing, or tatees in Arabic, is an adventure sport that involves driving off-road across challenging desert landscapes, and has long been a popular pastime in the oil-rich kingdom.
“This is a popular sport in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf because we have these dunes,” Rabea said.
It requires “considerable effort,” he added, but the payoff is “a real rush of adrenaline.”
Abdallah Al-Amar, who came to watch the show with his son, said spectators were willing to “travel great distances” for the meets, flocking from all over the country to watch the drivers perform their stunts.
Saudi Arabia, as the world’s biggest oil exporter, enjoys bargain-basement gasoline prices, with a liter costing just 2.33 riyals ($0.62).
The cheap fuel, combined with prolonged periods of extreme heat, means cars reign supreme in the kingdom — further fueling a passion for motorsports.
Waiting all year
In Zulfi, hundreds of cars and pick-up trucks dotted the sands as far as the eye can see, while nearby a motorist raced up a 100-meter-tall dune.
“The cars you see here are specially equipped” for the challenge, Rabea told AFP.
Crowds made up almost exclusively of men looked on, drinking coffee and tea on carpets strewn on the sand.
Engines roared, crowds cheered and plumes of dust rose with every turn of the wheels.
“We wait for this moment all year. We optimize the engine, the car, every single detail,” Rabea said.
At the foot of the dune, modified cars and trucks with oversized tires and powerful engines were lined up, waiting to take on the dunes.
Their drivers were making final adjustments to the vehicles, preparing to defy gravity racing uphill at dizzying speed.
'Always loved the dunes'
For many, dune bashing and desert drifting is a passion that began in adolescence.
Badr Al-Ghamas, a 33-year-old man from Al-Qassim, began practicing the sport when he was only 15 years old.
“For some, sports means to play football or swimming. For us, it’s going dune bashing,” he said with a smile.
One experienced drifter, Ahmed Al-Rumi told AFP that drivers modified their cars to improve performance months in advance.
But the extreme sport is not without risk.
“A while ago, there was an accident because the car was not fully safe,” Rumi said, adding that no one was hurt.
Many of the drivers, however, brushed off the risk of accidents, citing safety precautions they take.
In his 2014 book “Joyriding in Riyadh: Oil, Urbanism, and Road Revolt,” researcher Pascal Menoret said this passion for speed and high-risk maneuvers was rooted in a desire to project an image of power and masculinity.
At sunset the drivers headed home, leaving behind splotches of oil on the sand and track marks scarring the dunes.
But Amar said the gas-guzzling sport was not necessarily in conflict with nature.
“I grew up on a farm and I’ve always loved the dunes,” he said.
“Now, I bring along my son who shares the same passion.”