Islamists In Bangladesh Call For Adoption Of A National Security Doctrine To Grant Military The Authority To Counter The Indian Army
New Age Islam News Bureau
21 January 2025
Chief Adviser to the Interim Government of Bangladesh
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• Islamists In Bangladesh Call For Adoption Of A National Security Doctrine To Grant Military The Authority To Counter The Indian Army
• Masked Khalistanis Storm London Cinema, Frighten Audience Over Indian Film ‘Emergency’ Screening
• British Muslims Fear 'Emboldened Islamophobia Under Trump And Musk'
• Did Elon Musk Do A 'Nazi Salute'? Social Media In A Frenzy Over 'Weird' Gesture
• 'Resistance Vs Barbaric Occupation': Hamas Slams Israel For Prisoner Abuse
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India
• Mathura's Shahi Masjid Panel Accuses Centre Of Delaying Response On 1991 Worship Law
• 'Violates Islamic Norms': Kerala Muslim Leader Flays Co-Ed Fitness Programme
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Europe
• 'He's destroying Russia': Trump tells Putin to end Ukraine war and 'make a deal'
• Islamic Human Rights Commission threatens UK Holocaust Memorial Day with boycott if Gaza 'genocide' is not included
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North America
• New York Attorney General’s Office Adds Director Of Muslim Affairs To The Team
• Two Genders, Drill, Baby, Drill: Highlights Of Donald Trump Inauguration Speech
• From a life of crime to Trump inauguration: Who is Pastor Lorenzo Sewell?
• Imam Who Backed Trump Absent From Inauguration, Removed From Program
• Islamist Group Using Canada To Plot Caliphate Schemes Must Be Banned: Joe Adam George In The National Post
• Contemporary Mosques: Using Context as Driver over Symbolism
• Crimea Muslims face increasing persecution from Russia: report
• 'Ripped us off': Trump signs executive order to withdraw from WHO for second time
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Mideast
• Iran Says It Hopes Trump Will Take ‘Realistic’ Approach, Show ‘Respect’ To Mideast
• Iran testing combat robots, developing new models, Army tells Tehran Times
• Resistance Against Oppression Key Legacy Of Islamic Revolution: Pezeshkian
• Israeli sniper kills child in southern Gaza on second day of ceasefire
• Hamas confirms next hostages to be released on Saturday
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Pakistan
• Matric Exam Format Changed, Islamic And Pak Studies’ Marks Increased
• Miscreants’ hideouts targeted in Kurram operation
• Judicial ‘bad blood’ in focus as SC official faces contempt
• Judges wonder why case related to 26th Amendment sent to constitutional bench as SC official faces contempt
• Govt swings into action after PTI threatens boycott
• FIA arrests another human smuggler in Gujranwala
• MPAs’ concerns over water shortage, frequent traffic jams echo in Sindh Assembly
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South Asia
• Bangladesh To Equip Paramilitary Border Guards With Sound Grenades, Tear Gas
• The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Secures the Release of an Afghan Prisoner in the United States through a Prisoner Exchange
• Two Americans held in Afghanistan traded for Taliban prisoner in final Biden deal delayed until Trump took office
• Trump refugee ban ‘strands Afghans endangered by US withdrawal’
• Bangladesh calls for dialogue to resolve issues with India
• Four infiltrators from Bangladesh pushed back: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
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Arab World
• TurkiAlalshikh Launches City Hub Entertainment Project In 7 Saudi Cities
• Foreign Funds Lift QSE 40 Points; Islamic Equities Outperform
• KSrelief distributes food parcels to those in need in Mali, Pakistan
• Saudi ambassador to US represents Kingdom at Trump inauguration ceremony
• Saudi fund chief receives GCC representative to UNHCR
• KSrelief, Saudi Esports Federation donate $1.7m to UNICEF to boost children’s education in Burkina Faso
• Big 5 Construct Saudi 2025 expands offering to two weeks
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Southeast Asia
• Perlis Civil Servant Remanded Over RM132,000 False Claims For Muslim Converts
• Penang says approved RM13.6m in funding for non-Islamic houses of worship since 2016
• CJ: No basis in Islam to deprive Indira of her children
• MACC concludes probe into Sabah mining scandal, submits findings to DPP
• No matter what, we cannot take law into our own hands, says Fahmi after Chukai beating incident
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Africa
• Nigeria: Dangote's Fuel Import Suit Stalled Over Service of Court Processes
• Sanwo-Olu receives Lagos Assembly new Speaker, Meranda
• Governors Truce Crumble As PDP NEC Meeting Threatened
• Rivers: Wike Finally Mentions What Fubara Did to Tinubu
• SeyiTinubu: APC Chieftain Balami Fires Igbokwe Over 'Lagos Not for Boys' Statement
• Vandals responsible for Buguma Wellhead fire – NNPCL
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/islamists-bangladesh-national-indian-army/d/134392
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Islamists In Bangladesh Call For Adoption Of A National Security Doctrine To Grant Military The Authority To Counter The Indian Army
January 21, 2025
By Victor Dasgupta
Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus
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New Delhi: Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus led the bankrupt Bangladesh has been facing a major economic crisis since Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power. Amid the economic downfall, Islamists supporting the interim government in Bangladesh have called for the adoption of a national security doctrine. According to the reports, this doctrine would grant the military the authority to counter the Indian Army. This development is tied to Bangladesh’s political landscape and is the result of recent events involving Islamists, the military, India, and Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
According to the reports, the Islamists have demanded an independent military leadership that India does not control. Editor of Bangladesh’s daily newspaper Amar Desh, Mahmudur Rahman has recently made this statement on a public platform. Rahman accused the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League of weakening the military leadership. Since Hasina was removed from power, Rahman has been vocal against the Awami League. He has also called for a ban on the Awami League’s student wing.
Saima Wazed, the daughter of Sheikh Hasina, has been nominated for a significant position in the WHO. Rahman seeks to have this nomination canceled. Additionally, he has called for steps such as renaming the Jamuna Bridge after Shaheed Abu Said, making public the agreements made with India since 2009, and renaming Bangabandhu Avenue in Dhaka to Shaheed Abrar Avenue.
Source: Www.India.Com
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Masked Khalistanis Storm London Cinema, Frighten Audience Over Indian Film ‘Emergency’ Screening
Jan 21, 2025
LONDON: Masked Khalistanis stormed Harrow Vue cinema on Sunday night shouting anti-India slogans, leaving members of the Indian diaspora watching the movie “Emergency” petrified and causing the cinema to halt the screening.
SaloniBelaid, a British Indian, had gone with her friends. The cinema was three quarters full and they were 40 minutes in when “the ruckus started” and masked men and a woman stormed in shouting “Down with India”. “They spread out and went into the rows handing out leaflets about the Sikh genocide,” she said. They didn’t have tickets and just pushed their way past staff. There were many of them. It was really chaotic and scary. Ninety-five per cent of the audience cleared out whilst the Khalistanis were intimidating everyone whereas my friends and I stayed to confront them.”
Police arrived within 10 minutes but did not arrest anyone, she said. “They told us they were within their protest rights as long as we were not harmed. Couple of the staff seemed scared and the manager seemed shaken.” Her group asked to continue with film but the manager told them it was cancelled.
“It is terrifying that mob rule succeeds. There was no one to protect us and some had kirpans on them. It’s not nice that you can’t even go and watch a movie in the UK. This was masked men shouting in the dark — we didn’t know what their intentions were. It was frightening.”
Rashmi Chaubey, an Indian citizen from Varanasi, also went with her kids and their friends. She described how when she heard the commotion she turned around and saw masked men in the dark and had no idea what was happening. “A group had moved to the back where the projector is. They started covering it so we couldn’t see the movie, and they were everywhere, at the entrance and exit doors, so then people got frightened in the dark. There were young people and elderly. Some masked men came in front of screen and shouted Khalistan slogans. After the police came, we asked the movie staff to put the film back on but police said it’s a security threat.”
Jasveer Singh, from Sikh Press Association, which is encouraging the protests, said the movie is “anti- Sikh Indian state propaganda”.
Source: Timesofindia.Com
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British Muslims Fear 'Emboldened Islamophobia Under Trump And Musk'
January 20, 2025
Zara Mohammed (Image: MCB/PA Wire)
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Young British Muslims are worried about the influence of Elon Musk and whether the Donald Trump presidency in the US might see Islamophobia “emboldened”, the outgoing leader of the UK’s largest Muslim umbrella organisation said.
In her final days as secretary-general of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), Zara Mohammed, the first woman and youngest person to hold the role, warned of a “deeply challenging time” for her community.
Mr Musk, the billionaire owner of Tesla and SpaceX, is a close ally of Mr Trump, who will be inaugurated for his second presidential term on Monday.
Mr Musk is expected to have a key role in the political administration in the US, and has been engaging in controversial commentary online regarding UK politics recently, including piling pressure on the Prime Minister to order an inquiry into grooming gangs.
In an interview with the PA news agency before she steps down after her four-year term as MCB leader, Ms Mohammed said the “normalisation of figures on the far-right” is concerning.
Asked how young British Muslims are feeling, she said: “I think it’s a deeply challenging time. Many Muslims in particular are kind of staying away from X and certain social media platforms.
“It’s so hostile. It’s so disgusting I would say, the kind of vitriol we’re seeing. The smearing of, whether it’s Pakistani communities or Muslim communities, you know.
“I think we’re worried about the influence of Musk. We’re worried about the kind of normalisation of figures on the far-right, particularly the Tommy Robinsons and even Nigel Farage, which just always veer away from the illegal, you know, just on the borderline.
“But Tommy’s obviously been very vocal about his sentiment and feeling. The anti-immigrant rhetoric, anti-refugee rhetoric, and growing Islamophobia.
“So I think these are going to be the biggest challenges in 2025 and I think with the Trump election, we’ll wait to see how much more that’s emboldened.”
Ms Mohammed said that while the conflict in the Middle East had been “very polarising”, it was the riots last summer after the Southport stabbings which were perhaps the hardest period of her leadership.
She told PA: “I could not believe that mobs of people were physically trying to destroy, arson attack, hurt Muslims, refugees, mosques, marching around.”
She contrasted the jobs" target="_blank">work she and others had done to bring communities together, with the scenes of division on the streets.
She said: “On one hand we’re making great progress, we’re more integrated, you know, but at the same time, we’re being treated as a security and immigration issue.
Ms Mohammed said the current climate is one in which there is a particular need for “meaningful partnerships” between the Government and organisations like the MCB.
She said the current policy of non-engagement with the MCB is “a disservice to future generations”, having hoped for official engagement to have been reinstated during her tenure.
They were restored the following year after the MCB stated its opposition to violence, but more recently both the Conservative and Labour administrations have refused to engage with the organisation.
Ms Mohammed said that while the MCB has had “our fair share of history”, they do not advocate for any “negative” views, saying they are democratically-run, with elections, a code of conduct, protocols “and a lot of scrutiny”.
She added: “For me, I think particularly again after the riots, and again after the constant increase in Islamophobia and hate crime, this new Government, I hope, will change its approach.
Labour minister Alex Norris confirmed to Parliament in August that the Government’s policy not to engage remained unchanged and that there were no plans for ministers to meet the MCB.
“The Government engages regularly with faith communities to foster strong working relationships and we are exploring a more integrated and cohesive approach to tackling racial and religious hatred, including Islamophobia.
Source: Www.Asianimage.Co.Uk
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https://www.asianimage.co.uk/news/24868667.british-muslims-fear-emboldened-islamophobia-trump-musk/
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Did Elon Musk do a 'Nazi salute'? Social media in a frenzy over 'weird' gesture
Jan 21, 2025
Elon Musk was seen making a weird gesture as he spoke at the inauguration ceremony at Capitol One Arena which was compared to a Nazi salute by many on social media. As he took the stage, Elon Musk thanked the crowd for Donald Trump's victory and celebrated the new mission to Mars. "The future of civilization is assured," Elon Musk said.
"This is what victory feels like," Elon Musk said with a loud cheer. Elections come and go but this election really mattered, Elon Musk said as he also giggled on the stage. "My heart goes out to you," Elon said.
As Elon Musk thanked the people, he made the questionable gesture which many called a Nazi salute though Republicans defended the gesture and said Elon Musk was just giving his heart to the crown but left-wing interpreted it as a "Nazi salute"
"I cant believe that @elonmusk did yhrziegheil salute as a way of thanking Trump supporters for helping Trump win... what the actual fuck. The fucking Nazi salute. I used to overlook Musk's bs for the sake of space exploration but this, I can no longer overlook the bullshit," one user wrote on X.
"The Fake News and their minions are trying to say that Elon Musk did a "Nazi Salute" at Capital One Arena. They removed the audio of Elon saying thank you, and he concludes by saying "my heart goes out to you." It wasn't a Nazi Salute. He was saying thank you. This is why you lost," one wrote defending Elon Musk's gesture.
CNN anchors commented on the salute and said it's not something that can typically be seen at American political rallies. "It's a salute. It was quick. I think our viewers are smart and they can take a look at that, but it certainly was, it's not something that you typically see at American political rallies," the anchors commented drawing flak from Republicans that without telling 'Nazi salute', they suggested that Elon Musk did a 'Nazi salute'.
Source: Timesofindia.Com
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'Resistance vs barbaric occupation': Hamas slams Israel for prisoner abuse
21-01-2025
The ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal took effect on Sunday, suspending Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza. / Photo: AA
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Palestinian resistance group Hamas has said that the health condition of freed Palestinian prisoners reflected Israel’s “barbarity and fascism.”
The Israeli authorities released 90 Palestinian prisoners, including women and children, on Sunday night from Ofer Prison, west of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, under the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire and prisoner swap agreement.
It came hours after Hamas released three female prisoners under the deal. Israeli media said that the three Israeli women are in good health.
"Images of the three female hostages showed that they were in full physical and psychological health, in contrast to our prisoners whose appearance showed signs of neglect and exhaustion,” Hamas said in a statement.
“This vividly illustrates the vast difference between the values and ethics of the resistance and the barbarity and fascism of the occupation,” it added.
"We congratulate our people, our nation, and freedom advocates worldwide on the liberation of the first group of our prisoners from the (Israeli) occupation prisons,” Hamas said.
"The joyous scenes of our people raising victory signs while welcoming their freed prisoners reaffirm popular support for the resistance and underscore its deeply rooted place in their hearts''.
"The massive turnout of our people to greet the freed prisoners, despite the repressive measures of the occupation, is a declaration of defiance and an expression of their thirst for freedom and the liberation of land and holy sites," it added.
On Sunday, families of Palestinian prisoners gathered near Ofer Prison to welcome their loved ones. The Israeli army fired tear gas to disperse them, fearing celebratory displays during the reception of the freed prisoners.
The 3-phase deal includes a prisoner exchange and sustained calm, aiming for a permanent truce and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Nearly 47,000 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children, and over 110,700 others wounded in Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza, according to local health authorities.
The Israeli war has left more than 11,000 people missing, with widespread destruction and a humanitarian crisis that has claimed the lives of many elderly people and children in one of the worst global humanitarian disasters ever.
In November, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Source: Www.Trtworld.Com
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India
Mathura's Shahi Masjid Panel Accuses Centre Of Delaying Response On 1991 Worship Law
Srishti Ojha
Jan 21, 2025
Mathura's Shahi Masjid Committee moved the Supreme Court on Tuesday accusing the Centre of deliberately not filing response in the Places of Worship case.
In a plea filed in the Supreme Court, the mosque committee sought directions from the court to remove the Centre's right to reply to the petitions, so that the case can proceed.
It argued that the Centre was deliberately not filing its reply and was "obstructing those who are opposing the challenge to the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 in filing their respective written submissions/responses".
The committee has said that it’s an intervenor in a batch of pleas and is responsible for the management of the Shahi Masjid Eidgah, in Mathura, which is the subject of 17 suits being heard by the Allahabad High Court.
Source: Www.Indiatoday.In
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'Violates Islamic norms': Kerala Muslim leader flays co-ed fitness programme
Arjun Raghunath
20 January 2025
Thiruvananthapuram: A Muslim leader in Kerala has flayed a co-ed fitness programme stating that it violates the Islamic norms. ADVERTISEMENT All India Sunni Jamiyyathul Ulama general secretary Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar made the remarks on...
All India Sunni Jamiyyathul Ulama general secretary Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar made the remarks on the backdrop of the row over a fitness programme, Multi Exercise Combination - 7 (MEC-7), which is gaining popularity in north Kerala district...
Source: Www.Deccanherald.Com
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Europe
'He's destroying Russia': Trump tells Putin to end Ukraine war and 'make a deal'
Jan 21, 2025
US President Donald Trump on Monday called for Russian President Vladimir Putin to strike a deal to end the nearly three-year war in Ukraine, specifying that Russia will be in "big trouble" if the conflict continues.
"He should make a deal. I think he's destroying Russia by not making a deal," Trump said upon his return to the Oval Office. "I think Russia's going to be in big trouble."
Trump expressed his willingness to meet with Putin, mentioning their prior summit during his first term. "I got along with him great. I would hope he wants to make a deal," Trump added.
The US president also referenced conversations with Ukrainian President VolodymyrZelenskyyy, saying that Zelenskyy expressed a desire for a peace agreement to end the war, which began with Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. "Most people thought that war would have been over in one week," Trump said. "I think he’d be very well off to end that war."
Source: Timesofindia.Com
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Islamic Human Rights Commission threatens UK Holocaust Memorial Day with boycott if Gaza 'genocide' is not included
Jo Elizabeth
January 21, 2025
On the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, British town halls and educational establishments are being threatened by The Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC) to make an equivalence between the war with Gaza and the Holocaust, or face a boycott.
International Holocaust Memorial Day is marked on Jan. 27 to commemorate the date of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp in 1945, and this year will be 80 years since the historic occasion.
The IHRC, which has been linked to the Iranian Regime, wrote to 460 town halls and educational centers claiming it was "morally unacceptable" for the events in Gaza not to be presented as a "genocide" alongside the Holocaust.
The letter said, "We urge supporters to request HMD organizers to acknowledge the genocide in Gaza in their 2025 commemoration."
British Holocaust Remembrance Days have for some time included other genocides and atrocities such as happened in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur.
The UK Holocaust Memorial Day Trust specifies that, “The Holocaust is central to Holocaust Memorial Day and we remember the 6 million Jews murdered during the Holocaust.”
Source: Allisrael.Com
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North America
New York Attorney General’s Office Adds Director Of Muslim Affairs To The Team
21-01-2025
New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) has expanded its team to include a first-ever Director of Muslim Affairs.
Long Island resident Mohammad Awais officially started the role on Dec. 6, 2024. In this position, Awais will work with Muslim communities across New York, address their needs, and connect them with OAG’s various resources on civil rights, housing, workers’ rights, consumer protection, and more.
“New York is home to one of the largest Muslim communities in the country, and I am proud to welcome the Office of the Attorney General’s first-ever Director of Muslim Affairs to work with Muslim communities across the state,” said AG James. “From Buffalo to Brooklyn, Muslim communities across the state have grown over the years and contribute meaningfully to our neighbourhoods, as they have done for generations. This new role will help my office ensure that Muslim New Yorkers’ voices are heard, their needs are met, and their rights are protected.”
Source: Www.Amny.Com
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https://www.amny.com/news/new-york-attorney-general-director-muslim-affairs/
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Two genders, Drill, Baby, Drill: Highlights of Donald Trump Inauguration Speech
TJan 21, 2025
On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, marking the start of his second term. His address laid out a bold vision for America’s future, emphasizing energy independence, national security, traditional values, and American exceptionalism. Below are the key highlights from his speech.
President Trump sparked controversy by declaring, “It will be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders, male and female.” He announced plans to end diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in federal agencies and pledged to reinforce policies based on biological sex, a move aimed at reversing progressive stances on gender identity.
Trump placed energy policy at the forefront of his agenda, declaring a national energy emergency and vowing to unleash the full potential of America’s oil, gas, and coal reserves. “We’re going to drill, baby, drill,” he proclaimed, referring to the country’s untapped resources as “liquid gold under our feet.” His administration aims to reduce energy costs, achieve energy independence, and reinvigorate the economy.
Reiterating his past interest in acquiring Greenland, Trump described it as an essential strategic asset, calling it “an absolute necessity for national security.” Additionally, he announced his administration’s intention to reclaim control of the Panama Canal, arguing that it should be under U.S. jurisdiction to safeguard trade and security.
In a symbolic gesture, Trump pledged to sign an executive order renaming Denali, North America’s tallest peak, back to Mount McKinley. This decision aims to honor President William McKinley but has drawn criticism from Alaskan leaders who support the mountain’s indigenous name.
Source: timesofindia.com
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From a life of crime to Trump inauguration: Who is Pastor Lorenzo Sewell?
Jan 21, 2025
Pastor Lorenzo Sewell is the senior pastor of 180 Church in Detroit, Michigan. Born and raised on Detroit's east side, he faced numerous challenges in his youth, including his father's incarceration and the tragic loss of his younger brother. These early hardships led him into a life of crime, eventually becoming a gang leader. However, in 1999, during his senior year of high school, Sewell experienced a profound spiritual transformation that shifted his path toward Christianity and pastoral leadership.
On January 20, 2025, Pastor Sewell delivered one of the benedictions at President Donald J. Trump's inauguration. This moment held personal and historical significance, coinciding with Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Sewell reflected on the occasion as a fulfillment of King's dream, connecting themes of unity, equality, and hope. During his invocation, he quoted extensively from Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech, emphasizing the ongoing pursuit of racial justice and harmony.
Pastor Sewell’s connection with President Trump began in 2024 when he hosted the then-presidential candidate at 180 Church for a campaign event and roundtable discussion. Sewell's heartfelt and impromptu prayer during the event left a lasting impression on Trump, leading to his invitation to participate in the inauguration. This marked the beginning of a closer relationship, with Sewell becoming a visible figure in Trump’s campaign. He traveled extensively across the United States, offering opening prayers at events, participating in Republican gatherings, and speaking at the Republican National Convention in July 2024.
Throughout his ministry and public life, Pastor Sewell has emphasized the intersection of faith and politics, often highlighting the Bible's relevance to social and political issues. He is deeply committed to serving his community and using his platform to inspire hope, transformation, and faith-based leadership. His personal journey from adversity to leadership serves as a powerful example of redemption and resilience, inspiring many in Detroit and beyond.
Source: timesofindia.com
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Imam who backed Trump absent from inauguration, removed from program
Jack Jenkins
January 20, 2025
WASHINGTON (RNS) — A Michigan imam was unexpectedly absent from President Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday, raising questions as to why the Islamic leader did not offer a benediction as scheduled.
Earlier this month, officials listed Imam Husham Al-Husainy, who runs the Karbalaa Islamic Education Center, among the four faith leaders who would offer a benediction at Trump’s inauguration. The presence of the Islamic leader — believed to be the first who would have offered a prayer at an inauguration — was seen as a nod to Trump’s unexpected gains with Muslim Americans during the campaign: Al-Husainy, a Shia Muslim cleric who expressed support for Trump during the campaign, hails from Dearborn, a city with a large Muslim American population.
The reason for his absence was not immediately clear. Although listed on earlier copies of the inauguration bulletin sent to press, Al-Husainy’s name was not on the version of the program handed out to attendees on Monday morning.
Efforts to reach Al-Husainy and the Karbaala Islamic Education Center were unsuccessful, and inauguration officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Source: Religionnews.Com
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https://religionnews.com/2025/01/20/imam-who-backed-trump-absent-from-inauguration/
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Islamist group using Canada to plot caliphate schemes must be banned: Joe Adam George in the National Post
By Joe Adam George
January 20, 2025
In early January, an insidious international radical Islamist movement outlawed in at least a dozen countries was forced to cancel its conference in Canada on how to establish a global Islamic caliphate by toppling governments. It was the second year in a row that organizers shut the event down.
While it is a welcome development, it’s not enough. The Trudeau government must follow in the footsteps of Germany and the United Kingdom and ban the group behind the event, Hizb ut-Tahrir (Arabic for “Party of Liberation”).
The organizers’ decision to cancel the conference, named “The Khilafah: Eliminating the obstacles that are delaying its return,” came after concerns were expressed earlier this month about the risk it poses to public safety and social cohesion. Public Safety Minister David McGuinty confirmed on Jan. 13 that his department was assessing whether the group should be listed as an official terrorist entity in Canada.
The khilafah (Arabic for “caliphate”) is a political-religious state dating back to the seventh century when much of the Middle East was governed by an elected caliph and subjected to Islamic law. Hizb ut-Tahrir aspires to recreate a similar transnational empire that once again covers the Mideast, as well as North Africa and vast swathes of Central and South Asia.
While it claims to reject violence, Hizb ut-Tahrir has celebrated attacks on U.S. forces, endorsed suicide bombings, and views jihad as a necessary tool to convey “Islam as a message to the world.”
Referred to as a “conveyor belt” for terrorism and a “breeding ground” for al-Qaida recruitment, Hizb ut-Tahrir has a reputation for moulding future terrorists with its ideology and agitprop. The infamous Islamic State militant Mohammed “Jihadi John” Emwazi was said to have attended the group’s events while studying in Britain. The mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, and the former leader of al-Qaida in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, were also linked to the group, according to intelligence sources cited by the New Statesman.
When designating it as a terrorist entity last year, the British government noted that Hizb ut-Tahrir “is an antisemitic organization that actively promotes and encourages terrorism, including praising and celebrating the appalling 7 October attacks.”
Source: Macdonaldlaurier.Ca
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Contemporary Mosques: Using Context as Driver over Symbolism
by Mohieldin Gamal
January 21, 2025
The configuration of the mosque, the worshipping place for Muslims, traces its history to the courtyard of the religion's founder. The first mosques were, therefore, simple open spaces marked for ritual prayer use. Over the years and centuries, they would gain multiple standard, functional features, such as the mihrab, a niche that indicates the direction of prayer, and the minbar, a pulpit for the preacher to give the sermon. Other elements also became common, such as domes and minarets, which were historically used for the call to prayer. These had the additional purpose of signifying the function of the building as a mosque and were used by rulers and benefactors to elevate its grandeur.
In contemporary times, mosques are not immune from architectural debate. Elements that have no religious function are questioned, as is the relationship between a mosque and its context. The discussion is especially stark in parts of the world with relatively new Muslim communities, where some theorists have advocated for the removal of symbolic elements on the basis that they are 'pastiche,' while others are nostalgic about the sentimentality associated with historical forms. Nonetheless, contemporary architects have been successfully elevating mosque architecture, fulfilling its functional requirements creatively, while allowing the building's context to drive the form.
Contemporary Mosques: Using Context as Driver over Symbolism - Image 2 of 11Contemporary Mosques: Using Context as Driver over Symbolism - Image 3 of 11Contemporary Mosques: Using Context as Driver over Symbolism - Image 4 of 11Contemporary Mosques: Using Context as Driver over Symbolism - Image 5 of 11Contemporary Mosques: Using Context as Driver over Symbolism - More Images+ 6
Read on to learn about seven mosque projects from across the world where stylistic dilemmas were overcome with careful contextual responses.
Save this picture!Contemporary Mosques: Using Context as Driver over Symbolism - Image 2 of 11Sancaklar Mosque / EAA - Emre Arolat Architecture. Image © Thomas Mayer
According to the architect, the Sancaklar Mosque "aims to address the fundamental issues of designing a mosque by distancing itself from the current architectural discussions based on form and focusing solely on the essence of religious space." Situated in a hilly area in the suburbs of Istanbul, the mosque is set into the topography with only the entrance canopy visible from the outside as one approaches from above the hill. The external walls built of stone conceal a cave-like interior perfectly suited for quiet prayer and reflection.
Save this picture!Contemporary Mosques: Using Context as Driver over Symbolism - Image 3 of 11Gulshan Society Mosque / Kashef Chowdhury - URBANA. Image © Kashef Mahboob Chowdhury
One major factor that determined the final form of this mosque was that only a small site was available for a congregation expected to be very large. Thus, the mosque was arranged across seven stories in a cuboid form that sits harmoniously with the surrounding urban context in the capital city of Bangladesh, Dhaka. The volume is enveloped with a screen structure that allows daylight and ventilation but which offers shade from the sun. Surrounded by buildings mostly painted white, the screen is constructed of white concrete. Its elongated grid resembles a pattern of windows and expresses the floor plates behind it. Very subtly, the openings in the screen spell out the Islamic phrase "there is no God but God" in classical Kufic Arabic script.
Save this picture!Contemporary Mosques: Using Context as Driver over Symbolism - Image 10 of 11Nurul Yaqin Mosque / Dave Orlando + FandyGunawan. Image © Daniel Dian Kristanto
Source: Www.Archdaily.Com
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Crimea Muslims face increasing persecution from Russia: report
Lilian Trickey
January 20, 2025
The Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Group revealed the increasing political and religious persecution of Muslims in Crimea in a report published on Monday.
The report discusses how the treatment of Muslim groups in Crimea (especially Crimean Tartar Muslims) has worsened in the past decade as Russia has become increasingly bold in its repression of opposition. According to the report, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSD) started its “conveyer belt of persecution” in 2015, due to their vocal opposition to the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014. AkhtemChiygoz, a Crimean Tatar Mejlis leader, was arrested in 2015 on allegedly fabricated terrorism charges, and the lack of an international political response emboldened Russia. After Chiygoz’s arrest, four other Crimean Muslims were arrested in 2015 after armed “searches” and imprisoned on allegedly fabricated terrorism charges. One of these men, RuslanZeytullaev, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his fabricated terrorist activity.
The report also observed the increasing use of lengthy sentences to silent civil activists, together with their family members and friends following Chiygoz’s sentence. To guarantee convictions, the FSD allegedly used “fabricated evidence from FSB-loyal ‘experts’ and anonymous witnesses whose testimony cannot be verified” in order to frame Crimean Muslims of terrorism.
Source: Www.Jurist.Org
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'Ripped us off': Trump signs executive order to withdraw from WHO for second time
Jan 21, 2025
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday directing the United States to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing the organization's handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and China's influence over the body.
The move comes as the second time Trump has sought to sever ties with the WHO, with the first attempt being reversed under former president Joe Biden's administration.
Speaking at the White House hours after his inauguration, Trump stated, "World Health ripped us off," emphasizing that the United States was paying far more to the UN body compared to China.The United States, being the largest donor to the Geneva-based organization, provides substantial financial support crucial to the WHO's operations, and its withdrawal is expected to trigger a significant restructuring of the institution and potentially disrupt global health initiatives further.
Trump's executive order directed agencies to "pause the future transfer of any United States Government funds, support, or resources to the WHO" and to "identify credible and transparent United States and international partners to assume necessary activities previously undertaken by the WHO."
Source: timesofindia.com
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Mideast
Iran says it hopes Trump will take ‘realistic’ approach, show ‘respect’ to Mideast
20 January 2025
TEHRAN, Iran — Iran said Monday it hoped the incoming US administration under Donald Trump would adopt a “realistic” approach and show “respect” for the interests of countries in the region.
“We hope that the approaches and policies of the [new] US government will be realistic and based on international law and respect for the interests and desires of the nations of the region, including the Iranian nation,” said foreign ministry spokesman EsmaeilBaqaei during a weekly press briefing.
During his first term, Trump pursued a policy of “maximum pressure” against Iran, withdrawing the United States from a 2015 nuclear deal that imposed curbs on its nuclear program in return for sanctions relief. Trump said the deal, signed by his predecessor Barack Obama, did not go far enough in holding Iran back from eventually producing a nuclear weapon.
This picture shows a replica of Iran’s Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant at an exhibition at the International Conference on Nuclear Science and Technology in Isfahan in on May 6, 2024 (Atta Kenare/AFP)
Tehran began rolling back its commitments after Washington’s withdrawal in 2018. Efforts to revive the pact have since faltered. Though Iran claims its nuclear program is peaceful it has enriched uranium to levels that are a short technical step from weapons-grade material. The UN’s atomic watchdog says there is no civilian use for such high-level enrichment.
Source: Www.Timesofisrael.Com
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Iran testing combat robots, developing new models, Army tells Tehran Times
January 20, 2025
The high-ranking military official did not provide specific details on the types of robots being tested or developed but said the Army is deploying a range of them in a drill that began Sunday night in northeastern Iran.
The ongoing drill, described as an “offensive” exercise, seems to mark a new stage in a larger series of maneuvers that began nationwide at the start of the new year. The early stages of the national exercise involved a diverse range of forces, encompassing the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC), the Army (Artesh), the Basij, and the Coast Guard.
The wargames have so far seen Iran reveal two new underground military bases, simulate counter-terrorism operations in its western provinces, and practice intercepting bunker-buster attacks near its nuclear facilities in central and northern regions. Brigadier General Nemati told the Tehran Times that the latest stage of the drill primarily focused on evaluating combat strategies rather than defensive ones.
The exercise involves artillery, armored units, air assault teams, drone operators, electronic warfare units, missile groups, and various supporting units.
Source: En.Tehrantimes.Com
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Resistance against oppression key legacy of Islamic Revolution: Pezeshkian
January 20, 2025
In a meeting with the head and members of the Islamic Development Coordination Council, alongside the Headquarters for the 46th Anniversary of the Victory of the Islamic Revolution on Monday, Pezeshkian highlighted the sacrifices made since the Islamic Revolution’s triumph, stating, “We have suffered many martyrs and victims of terrorism. Our enemies have repeatedly targeted our leaders, elites, and prominent figures in attempts to undermine this revolution.”
The president also extended his condolences for the martyrdom of Ali Razini and Mohammad Moqiseh, two judiciary judges, describing their deaths as further evidence of the Islamic Republic’s enduring battle against terrorism.
“These sacrifices show that Iran and this revolution have consistently been victims of terrorism. The atrocities committed by the Zionist regime and its backers in Gaza—targeting women and children—are clear examples of terrorism. Yet, ironically, they accuse us of supporting terrorism,” Pezeshkian remarked.
The president also paid tribute to the people of Gaza, who recently achieved a significant victory against the Zionist regime. “We congratulate the resilient people of Gaza and Palestine on their triumph. They stood with dignity and courage against oppression and achieved a remarkable accomplishment. Their resilience serves as a lesson to other nations on how to confront terrorism,” he stated.
Source: Www.Tehrantimes.Com
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Israeli sniper kills child in southern Gaza on second day of ceasefire
21 January, 2025
Israel violated the ceasefire with Hamas on Monday by shooting and killing a Palestinian child returning to his home in Rafah, while aid to the enclave trickles in and civil defence teams recover dozens of bodies.
This comes as Gaza's civil defence crews say they recovered 66 more bodies from across Gaza on Monday, since a fragile ceasefire came into effect on 19 January. Before this, 137 bodies were found in Rafah since the start of the truce.
Thousands of bodies are believed to be still trapped under the rubble as teams were unable to retrieve or bury them due to heavy Israeli bombardment and complications in trying to reach them.
New aerial footage has revealed the magnitude of destruction in Gaza, particularly in the north which was bombarded while under siege for over three months.
Source: Www.Newarab.Com
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Hamas confirms next hostages to be released on Saturday
21 January, 2025
Hamas said on Monday it would next release hostages held in Gaza on Saturday, after an official with the Palestinian militant group had said they would be released a day later than expected.
Hamas is set to release the more than 90 hostages over the coming weeks as part of a complex ceasefire deal reached with Israel this month that could end the 15-month war in Gaza.
The militant group said in a statement that the next group of hostages would next be released on Saturday in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and detainees who are held by Israel.
Earlier, Nahed Al-Fakhouri, head of the Hamas prisoners' media office, had said the hostages would be released on Sunday. Hamas had been expected to release four Israeli hostages on Saturday, seven days after the ceasefire came into effect.
Source: Www.Newarab.Com
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Pakistan
Matric exam format changed, Islamic and Pak Studies’ marks increased
OUR STAFF REPORT
January 21, 2025
LAHORE - In new academic year 2025, Islamic and Pak Studies’ marks have been increased to 100 as earlier the both subjects were of 50 marks each. In this connection, Punjab Text Book Board (PTBB) has published the new syllabus based textbooks of Islamic and Pakistan Studies. PTBB official sources told APP that a 100-mark exam of Islamic Studies will be taken in the ninth grade, while a 100-mark exam of Pakistan Studies will be taken in matriculation. The Punjab Curriculum and Textbook Board has sent a letter to all schools of the province, they said, adding all education boards will take 100-mark exams for both subjects. The process of printing books for both subjects has also been started according to the new curriculum, they said. Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) examination department sources here confirmed the decision about these two subjects, adding that now students in Punjab will be able to choice matriculate in 3 new groups. In this connection the School Education Department (SED) has said that three more groups have been added, including with Matric Science and Matric Arts. Likewise, Health Sciences, Agriculture-Science and Fashion Designing groups have also been offered for matriculation students. To a query they said that students will be able to choose a group from the 9th class to the academic session of 2025. The School Education Department, in this connection has also released the subject list of the new groups. Data was sought from the CEO and DEO regarding the selection of students from schools.
The books of the new groups will be printed according to the number of children. The sources said that on the instructions of the Chief Minister of Punjab, various subject courses have been started for matriculation.
Source: Www.Deccanherald.Com
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Miscreants’ hideouts targeted in Kurram operation
Umer Farooq
January 21, 2025
PESHAWAR / KURRAM: An operation to bring peace to the restive tribal district of Kurram entered its second day on Monday, as security forces used helicopters to target positions of miscreants in different parts of central Kurram.
A curfew imposed on Jan 19 remained in place in Bagan and its surrounding regions due to the operation, which has forced several families to move to Thall in Hangu via ChapriPhattak.
Locals said two gunship helicopters carried out shelling on the suspected hideouts of militants in Pastwani, Manddara, Sangrobba and Jarrni areas in the central Kurram. However, no loss on the part of miscreants was reported.
Sources privy to the military-led operation against miscreants, launched on Sunday night, said that weapons would be collected in different phases in accordance with the peace agreement signed by both groups on Dec 31.
They said bunkers would be demolished, adding that the state had decided to take stern action against the miscreants in the district without any discrimination.
Source: Www.Dawn.Com
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Judicial ‘bad blood’ in focus as SC official faces contempt
Nasir Iqbal
January 21, 2025
ISLAMABAD: Three Supreme Court judges, on Monday, initiated contempt proceedings against a senior staff member for not fixing a case regarding the jurisdiction of regular benches.
Headed by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, the bench including justices Ayesha A. Malik and Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi, issued a show cause notice to Additional Registrar (Judicial) Nazar Abbas under contempt of court charges.
The case pertained to whether regular benches of the Supreme Court can determine the constitutionality of Article 191A of the Constitution, under which the Constitutional Bench was established after the 26th Amendment.
The question arose on Jan 13, when a three-judge bench, comprising justices Shah, Malik and Irfan Saadat Khan, heard the federal government’s petition against a Sindh High Court’s decision to strike down Section 221-A(2) of the Customs Act, 1969.
During the subsequent hearing on Jan 16, the composition of the bench was changed, with Justice Abbasi replacing Justice Khan, who was on leave.
At the start of court proceedings on Monday, Barrister Salahuddin Ahmed pointed out that he had travelled from Karachi, but the case was not fixed for hearing.
Source: Www.Dawn.Com
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Judges wonder why case related to 26th Amendment sent to constitutional bench as SC official faces contempt
Umer Mehtab
January 21, 2025
Two Supreme Court judges on Tuesday questioned why a case regarding the jurisdiction of regular benches was transferred to the constitutional bench, as the court took up contempt proceedings against its additional registrar over the same issue.
A two-judge bench, headed by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and with the other member being Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi, took up the matter today.
The case pertained to whether regular benches of the SC can determine the constitutionality of Article 191A of the Constitution, under which the constitutional bench was established after the 26th Amendment.
The question arose on January 13, when a three-judge bench — comprising justices Shah, Ayesha A. Malik and Irfan Saadat Khan — heard the federal government’s petition against a Sindh High Court’s decision to strike down Section 221-A(2) of the Customs Act, 1969.
Source: Www.Dawn.Com
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Govt swings into action after PTI threatens boycott
Syed Irfan Raza
January 21, 2025
ISLAMABAD: The government on Monday assured the PTI of a response to the opposition’s charter of demands within seven working days, after the party warned it would boycott the next round of talks if judicial commissions were not formed to probe the May 9 and Nov 26 incidents.
“We have shared PTI’s demands with all our allies in the ruling coalition and sought their suggestions on how to fulfil them,” said Senator Irfan Siddiqui, a member of the government’s negotiation team, while talking to Dawn.
“We will give a serious, sympathetic response to the PTI within seven working days,” he said, adding that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had formed a committee of all ruling allies to finalise the government’s response, with its first meeting scheduled to be held shortly.
“We have also included some legal experts in the committee, including Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, and asked our allies to obtain legal opinions from their respective legal teams on the PTI demands and present their viewpoints in the committee’s first meeting,” he said.
As agreed by the two sides, he said, the government will respond to the opposition within seven working days (by Jan 27 or 28), after which the reply will be presented before National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq during the next meeting.
Senator Siddiqui denied media reports suggesting that the government had refused to form a judicial commission, urging the media to avoid spreading baseless news that could undermine the dialogue process.
Source: Www.Dawn.Com
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FIA arrests another human smuggler in Gujranwala
January 21, 2025
GUJRAT/TOBA TEK SINGH : The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Gujranwala circle has arrested a human smuggler involved in sending a local to Morocco.
A senior FIA official said suspect Muhammad Ansar of Towerwala Gala, near Ferozewala bridge, Gujranwala, and his accomplices were involved in sending Amir Ali to Mauritania and extorted a sum of Rs5.3 million from him. Ali survived the Moroccan boat tragedy.
The FIA has so far lodged at least five cases in connection with the boat tragedy, whereas two human traffickers, including a woman, have been arrested.
Abdul Qadir Qamar, director of the FIA’s Gujranwala zone, said the crackdown on the human trafficking networks is underway in the entire region.
An official said accused Asif, Afzaal and Husnain had received Rs8.9m for sending two men to Italy by illegal ways. He said they had contacts with international human smugglers who were used to smuggle people by boats from Libya.
Source: Www.Dawn.Com
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MPAs’ concerns over water shortage, frequent traffic jams echo in Sindh Assembly
Tahir Siddiqui
January 21, 2025
KARACHI: The Sindh Assembly on Monday echoed with the opposition members’ concerns over the acute shortage of water and frequent traffic jams across the city.
Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani told the house that the city’s water issue would be addressed to a large extent after the completion of K-IV project.
In his call attention notice, Jamaat-i-Islami’s (JI) lone member Muhammed Farooq said that there was an acute water shortage in parts of his constituency such as Shah Faisal Colony, Green Town, Rafah-i-Aam and Jamia Millia and the other adjoining areas.
In reply to the call attention notice of the JI member, the LG minister said the construction work had been expeditiously continuing on the K-IV, which would be completed by July 2026.
Source: Www.Dawn.Com
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South Asia
Bangladesh to equip paramilitary border guards with sound grenades, tear gas
Jan 20, 2025
Bangladesh's interim government on Monday said it will equip the country's paramilitary border guards with non-lethal sound grenades and tear gas canisters, mirroring practices adopted by its Indian counterpart. Home Affairs Adviser retired Lieutenant General M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury confirmed the decision during a press briefing at the Secretariat here.
"We have already approved the procurement of sound grenades and tear gas shells for Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB)," he told reporters in reply to a question after a meeting on law and order attended by Social Welfare Adviser Sharmin Murshid and Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus' special assistant Khuda Baksh.
When asked about India's potential reaction to the move, Chowdhury said there is no reason for New Delhi to view the decision "negatively", as its Border Security Force (BSF) has already employed similar non-lethal weaponry along the shared border.
While BGB is currently equipped with lethal arms for critical situations, Chowdhury emphasised the importance of augmenting their capacity to maintain peace and respond swiftly during emergencies.
Source: Economictimes.Com
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The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Secures the Release of an Afghan Prisoner in the United States through a Prisoner Exchange
January 21, 2025
Following extensive & productive negotiations between the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan & the United States of America, an agreement was reached facilitating the release of an Afghan Mujahid, Khan Mohammad, from a U.S. prison in exchange for the release of American nationals.
Khan Mohammad, detained nearly two decades ago in Nangarhar & later sentenced to life imprisonment by a U.S. court, had been serving his sentence in California.
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan consider this exchange as a good example of resolving issues through dialogue, and is particularly grateful to the fraternal States of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates for its effective role in this regard.
The Islamic Emirate views positively steps taken by the United States that aid normalization & expansion of relations between the two countries.
Source: Mfa.Gov.Af
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Two Americans held in Afghanistan traded for Taliban prisoner in final Biden deal delayed until Trump took office
By Alex Marquardt
January 21, 2025
CNN — In the very last hours of President Joe Biden’s time in office, a prisoner exchange years in the making was finally struck: the Taliban agreed to swap two Americans being held in Afghanistan for one Taliban member serving a life sentence in a US prison.
But there was an unexpected delay (at least in part due to bad weather in Washington and Kabul) and Donald Trump was officially back in the White House when Americans Ryan Corbett and William McKenty were handed over and on their way home early Tuesday, exchanged for Afghan Taliban member Khan Mohammed who was convicted in 2008 on narco-terrorism charges.
Mohammed had been flown by officials from the US to Doha. Qatar facilitated the trade by hosting several rounds of US negotiations with the Taliban and also provided logistical support to the operations to get the two American men out of Kabul, according to multiple people familiar with the details of the swap.
The outgoing administration’s plan for the trade with the Taliban was communicated to Trump’s national security adviser Mike Waltz by Biden’s adviser Jake Sullivan.
“While we would not do the deal that the Biden administration did at the end, we are always happy to have two Americans home,” the Trump official said.
Source: Edition.Cnn.Com
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https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/21/politics/us-prisoners-taliban-release/index.html
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Trump refugee ban ‘strands Afghans endangered by US withdrawal’
Andrew Roth
21 Jan 2025
More than 1,600 Afghans eligible to enter the US as refugees will see their entry blocked under an executive order signed by Donald Trump on Monday evening that suspends the resettlement of all refugees to the United States for an indefinite period of time.
The decision has led to panic among prospective Afghan refugees, including family members of hundreds of active-duty service personnel and children waiting to be reunited with family members already in the US, according to a leading refugee resettlement activist and a US official who spoke with the Guardian on condition of anonymity.
Many of those who have applied are in danger and have time-sensitive reasons to leave the country or neighbouring Pakistan because of their past association with the US, they said. After the White House published the executive order on Monday evening, refugees eligible for resettlement will be pulled from manifests for flights leaving the region for the US as of 27 January.
That leaves one week for advocates of Afghan refugees to lobby for a separate executive order or amendment to exclude them from the ban.
The decision threatens to overturn a promise made to Afghans across multiple administrations – including by Trump and the previous president, Joe Biden – to recognise those who aided US troops and non-governmental organisations before the US-backed government collapsed in 2021 and the Taliban swept back to power.
“We can’t afford to leave these folks behind, right? These folks are in hiding there,” said Shawn VanDiver, a navy veteran and the founder of AfghanEvac, which advocates for the evacuation and resettlement of at-risk Afghans. “There are probably tens of thousands of people whose lives are at risk because of their association with the United States.”
US officials have noted a significant uptick in concern from Afghans waiting for resettlement since Trump was re-elected in November to a second term as president with a stated platform to crack down on immigration, both legal and illegal.
“Failing to protect our Afghan allies sends a dangerous message to the world: that US commitments are conditional and temporary,” AfghanEvac said in a statement following the issuing of the executive order. “This decision undermines global trust in our leadership and jeopardizes future alliances.”
Source: Www.Theguardian.Com
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https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jan/21/donald-trump-inauguration-refugee-ban-afghanistan
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Bangladesh calls for dialogue to resolve issues with India
Jan 21, 2025
Bangladesh has stressed for dialogue to resolve issues with India following weeks of heightened tensions along the border between the two neighbouring countries.
According to reports, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said that the “country firmly believes that any issues should be resolved through constructive dialogue under the framework of existing bilateral agreements to maintain peace along the border”.
On January 12, Bangladesh conveyed its message to India through its Ambassador in Dhaka Pranay Verma, while terming New Delhi’s border fencing project in its own territory as “unauthorised” which “undermined the spirit of cooperation between the two countries”.
Source: Www.Tribuneindia.Com
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Four infiltrators from Bangladesh pushed back: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
Jan 21, 2025
GUWAHATI: Four Bangladeshis, who were trying to enter India illegally, were sent back by Assam police, as confirmed by chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The location from which these people were deported was not disclosed by the authorities.
"Zero Tolerance for Illegal Infiltration. Under strict vigil along the international border, four Bangladeshi nationals were apprehended by @assampolice near the border and pushed back," Sarma said in a post on X on Monday.
Following unrest in Bangladesh last year, security has been strengthened along the 1885 km-long India-Bangladesh border in the North.
Source: Timesofindia.Com
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Arab World
TurkiAlalshikh launches City Hub entertainment project in 7 Saudi cities
Arab News
January 20, 2025
RIYADH: A new project bringing a range of entertainment offerings to seven Saudi cities has been announced by TurkiAlalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority.
The City Hub project will begin its journey in Jazan on Jan. 23, followed by stops in Alkhobar, Buraidah, Hail, Al-Baha, Taif, and concluding in Tabuk in August after spending 14 days in each city.
The project exclusively works with Saudi companies, creating thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities in the Kingdom’s entertainment industry, according to organizers.
Source: Www.Arabnews.Com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2587148/saudi-arabia
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Foreign funds lift QSE 40 points; Islamic equities outperform
Santhosh V. Perumal
January 20, 2025
The Gaza ceasefire had its positive impact on the Gulf bourses, including the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), which on Monday gained about 40 points, on the back of buying interests especially in the real estate, industrials, telecom and consumer goods sectors.
Ahead of the inauguration of the new US president, the 20-stock Qatar Index gained 0.38% to 10,507.56 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,538 points.
The foreign institutions were increasingly net buyers in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR4.59bn or 0.75% to QR616.91bn on the back of mid and small cap segments.
About 62% of the traded constituents were seen extending gains to investors in the main market, which saw as many as 0.02 exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at mere QR0.07mn changed hands across seven deals.
Source: Www.gulf-times.Com
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KSrelief distributes food parcels to those in need in Mali, Pakistan
Arab News
January 21, 2025
RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has provided food aid to people in need in Mali and Pakistan, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
Some 500 parcels were distributed in the Koulikoro region of Mali, benefiting vulnerable groups including displaced people and those with disabilities as part of this year’s Food Security Support Project in the country.
Meanwhile, in Pakistan, a further 1,450 food parcels were given out in the Dadu and Sanghar districts in Sindh province and the Torghar district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Source: Www.Arabnews.Com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2587211/saudi-arabia
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Saudi ambassador to US represents Kingdom at Trump inauguration ceremony
Arab News
January 20, 2025
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the US, Princess Reema bint Bandar, represented the Kingdom at US President Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony on Monday.
The princess passed on the congratulations of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Trump on the day of his second inauguration as US president. She also conveyed the hopes of the Saudi leadership that he will enjoy success in his duties, the Saudi Press Agency reported
“As our two nations celebrate 80 years of friendship, it was my honor to convey our leadership’s heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to President Donald Trump and the American people on his inauguration,” Princess Reema wrote in a message posted on social media platform X.
Source: Www.Arabnews.Com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2587167/saudi-arabia
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Saudi fund chief receives GCC representative to UNHCR
Arab News
January 20, 2025
RIYADH: Saudi Fund for Development CEO Sultan Al-Marshad received the senior adviser and GCC Representative to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Khaled Khalifa, and an accompanying delegation in Riyadh on Monday.
During the meeting, they discussed ways to enhance development cooperation between the Saudi fund and UNHCR, the former’s official account wrote on X.
Al-Marshad also received Ambassador of Ukraine to the Kingdom AnatoliiPetreno and discussed bilateral cooperation during a recent meeting in Riyadh.
Source: Www.Arabnews.Com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2587161/saudi-arabia
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KSrelief, Saudi Esports Federation donate $1.7m to UNICEF to boost children’s education in Burkina Faso
Arab News
January 20, 2025
RIYADH: The Saudi Esports Federation, through the Gamers Without Borders tournament — the largest virtual charity event for gaming and esports — in collaboration with Saudi aid agency KSrelief, donated over $1.7 million to UNICEF’s office in Burkina Faso.
The grant aims to provide formal and non-formal education to more than 27,800 children, 50 percent of whom are girls, in areas affected by insecurity.
John Agbor, UNICEF representative in Burkina Faso, said: “Thanks to the generous contribution of KSrelief and Saudi Esports Federation, thousands of children will benefit from formal and non-formal education, vocational training and radio-based learning.”
Source: Www.Arabnews.Com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2587146/saudi-arabia
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Big 5 Construct Saudi 2025 expands offering to two weeks
Arab News
January 20, 2025
RIYADH: The Big 5 Construct Saudi, organized by dmg events, returns as the largest construction event in the Kingdom, taking place across two weeks, from Feb. 15-18 and Feb. 24-27, 2025, at the ROSHN Front Exhibition and Conference Center in Riyadh.
A gateway to Saudi Arabia’s $1.7 trillion construction industry, supporting the ambitious Vision 2030 goals, Big 5 Construct Saudi has attracted in past editions over 75,000 visitors and featured over 2,000 local and international exhibitors from more than 60 countries showcasing over 20,000 products across eight specialized events.
“The 13th edition of Big 5 Construct Saudi marks a monumental step forward in supporting the Kingdom’s dynamic construction sector. This two-week format provides an unparalleled platform for exhibitors to showcase cutting-edge innovations, sustainable solutions and transformative technologies,” said Muhammed Kazi, senior vice president of construction, dmg events.
Source: Www.Arabnews.Com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2587125/saudi-arabia
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Southeast Asia
Perlis civil servant remanded over RM132,000 false claims for Muslim converts
21 Jan 2025
KANGAR, Jan 21 — A civil servant from a state government department has been remanded for six days starting today, for allegedly submitting false claims for RM132,000 in compassionate payments to 49 new Muslim converts between 2022 and 2024.
A source from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said the remand order against the 28-year-old man was issued by Magistrate Ana Rozana Mohd Nor following a request from the commission’s Perlis branch.
“The suspect, responsible for gathering documents for new Muslim converts, was arrested at 4.30 pm yesterday after he came forward to have his statement recorded at the Perlis MACC office,” the source said.
Meanwhile, state MACC director Mohd Nor Adha Ab Gani, when contacted, confirmed the arrest and said the case was being investigated under Section 18 of the MACC Act 2009.
Source: Www.Malaymail.Com
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Penang says approved RM13.6m in funding for non-Islamic houses of worship since 2016
By OpalynMok
21 Jan 2025
GEORGE TOWN, Jan 21 — The Penang state government has approved RM13.6 million allocations for non-Islamic places of worship (RIBI) in the state since 2016, said Penang Chief Minister Chow KonYeow today.
“Today, a total 54 RIBI received a total RM1.884 million for this year,” he said in a press conference after handing out mock cheques to representatives from the 54 RIBI.
Out of the 54 recipients, 26 are Taoist temples, four are Buddhist temples, 10 Hindu temples, seven Christian organisations and seven other religious institutions.
Source: Www.Malaymail.Com
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CJ: No basis in Islam to deprive Indira of her children
Jan 21, 2025
Chief Justice TengkuMaimun Tuan Mat said there is a need to correct misunderstandings about Islam, even among Muslims.
The top judge cited the M Indira Gandhi case and judicial challenges on state and federal law overlap as examples in which there were widespread misconceptions leading to attacks on both the judiciary and her faith.
Source: Www.Malaysiakini.Com
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https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/732254
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MACC concludes probe into Sabah mining scandal, submits findings to DPP
By Muhammad Yusry
21 Jan 2025
PUTRAJAYA, Jan 21 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has concluded its investigation into a purported whistleblower and a former CEO of a company implicated in an alleged mining scandal in Sabah, which is also said to involve several state assemblymen.
Its Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said today that the investigation paper has been submitted to the deputy public prosecutor for further action.
“The case has been completed, and we have submitted it to the deputy public prosecutor. It is now up to them to take further action,” he said during a press conference at the MACC headquarters, here.
“The whistleblower did not provide us with the videos, but we recorded his statement as well as the statements of the assemblymen involved,” he explained.
Source: Www.Malaymail.Com
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No matter what, we cannot take law into our own hands, says Fahmi after Chukai beating incident
21 Jan 2025
KOTA BARU, Jan 21 — Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil today described the viral beating of a disabled man at a farmers’ market in Chukai, Terengganu, as inappropriate and should not have happened.
“I leave it to the authorities to bring the case to justice,” he told a press conference after breakfast with members of the Kelantan Media Club, here today.
On Jan 17, a video lasting 1 minute and 52 seconds went viral on social media, showing the 47-year-old man being beaten and dragged by several individuals at the farmer’s market after he allegedly crashed into one of the stalls on his motorcycle.
Source: Www.Malaymail.Com
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Africa
Nigeria: Dangote's Fuel Import Suit Stalled Over Service of Court Processes
20 January 2025
By Alex Enumah
Abuja — Hearing in the suit by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Company was on Monday stalled at the Federal High Court, Abuja, due to delay in the service of court's documents on the respondents.
Dangote, by the suit, is seeking to stop the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) from issuing licence for the importation of fuel to six oil marketing companies.
While NMDPRA is the first defendant, the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), AYM Shafa Limited, A. A. Rano Limited, T. Time Petroleum Limited, 2015 Petroleum Limited, and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited are second to seventh defendants respectively in the originating summons, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1324/2024 dated September 6, 2024.
Dangote Refinery through its lawyer, Dr. OgwuOnoja (SAN), is praying the court to nullify import licences issued by NMDPRA to the NNPCL and the five other companies for the purpose of importing refined petroleum products.
The plaintiff is also praying the court to declare that NMDPRA was in violation of Sections 317(8) and (9) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) by issuing licences for the importation of petroleum products, since such licences should only be issued in circumstances where there is a petroleum product shortfall.
It equally sought a N100 billion in damages against NMDPRA for allegedly continuing to issue import licences to NNPCL and the five companies for importing petroleum products, among other reliefs.
At the resumed hearing on Monday, Mr George Ibrahim (SAN), who appeared for the Dangote Refinery, informed the court that the matter was fixed for report of settlement or report of service.
Ibrahim, however, said they had been unable to take any step to effect service of the processes, adding that issues of reconciliation had also not been looked into because of a motion filed to amend their originating summons due to the error discovered in the earlier application.
The counsel to NMDPRA, Mathew Bukar (SAN); lawyer to the third, fourth and seventh defendants (AYM Shafa, A.A. Rano Limited and Matrix Limited), Ahmed Raji (SAN), and that of fifth and sixth defendants (T. Time Petroleum and 2015 Petroleum Limited), Divine Oguru, told the court that they were yet to be served with the plaintiff's application.
Source: Allafrica.Com
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https://allafrica.com/stories/202501210026.html
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Sanwo-Olu receives Lagos Assembly new Speaker, Meranda
by Bola Badmus
January 20, 2025
Lagos State Governor, Mr. BabajideSanwo-Olu, on Monday, received the newly elected Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. MojisolaMeranda, and the Principal Officers of the House on a courtesy visit at his office in Alausa, Ikeja.
The Speaker and her team were welcomed by Governor Sanwo-Olu and his Deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, shortly before the commencement of the weekly State Executive Council (SEC) meeting.
The Governor led Rt. Hon. Meranda and her delegation to the Council Chamber, where the Speaker and the Exco members pledged to continue their harmonious working relationship between the two arms of government in the state.
Source: Tribuneonlineng.Com
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https://tribuneonlineng.com/sanwo-olu-receives-lagos-assembly-new-speaker-meranda/
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Governors Truce Crumble As PDP NEC Meeting Threatened
21 January 2025
By George OshogweOgbolu
The Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) much-anticipated National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting has been thrown into uncertainty following a resurgence of divisions within the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), sources within the party have disclosed.
The NWC, responsible for organizing NEC meetings, remains entangled in internal disputes, particularly regarding the continued tenure of Acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Damagum.
Earlier conflicts led to the suspension of Damagum, National Publicity Secretary DeboOlogunagba, and other party members. However, interventions by PDP governors temporarily restored peace, reversing the suspensions.
Naija News reports that at a meeting in Jos, Plateau State, PDP governors, led by Governor Bala Mohammed, urged the NWC to convene the NEC meeting by February 2025.
“The forum strongly advises the NWC to call the NEC meeting by the first week of February at the latest to allow for consultations with critical stakeholders of the party,” Mohammed stated. “The period between November and February should address the party’s existential problems, with a clear timeline of activities to resolve leadership and litigation issues.”
Source: Www.naijanews.Com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/01/21/governors-truce-crumble-as-pdp-nec-meeting-threatened/
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Rivers: Wike Finally Mentions What Fubara Did to Tinubu
January 21, 2025
The minister made the claim while ruling out any peace deal with the governor during a media chat at his residence on Sunday, January 20.
Legit.ng recalls that Fubara and Wike had been at loggerheads over controlling the state's political structure. Wike, the immediate past governor, accused his successor of tampering with his political structure.
On December 18, 2023, the governor and his predecessor signed a peace deal at the presidential villa with President Tinubu to end the political crisis. The parties and some political elders in the state also signed the agreement.
The state crisis has led to the move to impeach Fubara. As a consequence, the legislative chamber in the state was also demolished.
Source: Www.Legit.Ng
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https://www.legit.ng/politics/1636517-rivers-wike-finally-mentioned-what-fubara-tinubu/
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SeyiTinubu: APC Chieftain Balami Fires Igbokwe Over 'Lagos Not for Boys' Statement
January 21, 2025
Joe Igbokwe, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, has come under fire for criticizing moves to field SeyiTinubu as the next Lagos State Governor.
Recall that Igbokwe, in his recent Facebook post, described the calls as a “distraction” and asserted that governing Lagos is “not a job for the boys."
His (Igbokwe) words, however, sparked widespread condemnation and controversy with Comrade Isaac Balami, an APC chieftain and former Deputy Campaign Manager for the Obi/Datti presidential campaign in 2023, in a statement cited by Legit.ng criticising Igbokwe’s stance.
Balami expressed disappointment in Igbokwe’s comments, noting their inconsistency with modern democratic principles that emphasize youth and innovation.
Source: Www.Legit.Ng
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Vandals responsible for Buguma Wellhead fire – NNPCL
By NAN
21 January 2025
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has alleged that the fire incident at its Buguma Wellhead 008, operated by its subsidiary, NNPC Eighteen Operating Ltd. (NEOL), was caused by pipeline vandals.
Mr OlufemiSoneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd. in a statement on said the fire was caused by the activities of vandals who were attempting to compromise the Christmas Tree and steal crude oil.
Soneye said the unfortunate act of sabotage, which also resulted in severe damage to the well’s back pressure valve, reflected a disturbing pattern of repeated attacks on wellheads in the zone.
Source: Guardian.Ng
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https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/vandals-responsible-for-buguma-wellhead-fire-nnpcl/
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