Friday, February 3, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Govt Asks to Spend Reserve Funds on Arakan State Development

Posted: 03 Feb 2017 07:30 AM PST

The government seeks parliamentary approval to spend nearly 3.7 billion kyats to implement 18 road and bridge construction projects.

The post Govt Asks to Spend Reserve Funds on Arakan State Development appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Burma Government to Review Critical UN Report on Arakan Crisis

Posted: 03 Feb 2017 07:19 AM PST

"We will review the report from the UN and we will respond," says Zaw Htay, Burma President Htin Kyaw's spokesman.

The post Burma Government to Review Critical UN Report on Arakan Crisis appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Burma’s Probe of Lawyer’s Killing Beset by Leaks, Confusion

Posted: 03 Feb 2017 07:01 AM PST

The national police chief has taken personal charge of an investigation into the killing of U Ko Ni.

The post Burma's Probe of Lawyer's Killing Beset by Leaks, Confusion appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Arakan State Advisory Commission Member Describes Inhumane Conditions for Refugees in Bangladesh

Posted: 03 Feb 2017 06:52 AM PST

Al Haj U Aye Lwin says the living conditions for Muslim refugees on the Bangladeshi border were 'inappropriate even for animals.'

The post Arakan State Advisory Commission Member Describes Inhumane Conditions for Refugees in Bangladesh appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Judge Accused of Corruption Goes on the Run

Posted: 03 Feb 2017 04:55 AM PST

Daw Inzali Mya Shein is charged under Article 56 of the 2013 anti-corruption law, which could lead to a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

The post Judge Accused of Corruption Goes on the Run appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Malaysian PM Sends Off Aid Ship Bound for Burma

Posted: 03 Feb 2017 04:48 AM PST

'We are still hoping with all our hearts that they will eventually allow us to visit Sittwe and distribute the aid ourselves,' says the mission chief.

The post Malaysian PM Sends Off Aid Ship Bound for Burma appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Pirates, Cyclones, and Mud: Bangladesh’s Island Solution to Refugee Crisis

Posted: 03 Feb 2017 04:01 AM PST

Dhaka plans to relocate thousands of people to uninhabited Thengar Char, which offers no buildings, no phone reception, and no protection from floods.

The post Pirates, Cyclones, and Mud: Bangladesh's Island Solution to Refugee Crisis appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

MRTV Names 10 Companies Shortlisted for TV Licenses

Posted: 03 Feb 2017 03:26 AM PST

The state-owned broadcaster will select five new firms to operate digital free-to-air television channels.

The post MRTV Names 10 Companies Shortlisted for TV Licenses appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Meinmahla Kyun Wetlands Receive International Recognition

Posted: 03 Feb 2017 02:28 AM PST

Irrawaddy Division's Meinmahla Kyun is added to the list of Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.

The post Meinmahla Kyun Wetlands Receive International Recognition appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Burma’s Lower House Issues Letter Bomb Warning

Posted: 02 Feb 2017 11:15 PM PST

'We must ensure the security of the Parliament because high-ranking officials and ministers are going in and out there,' says Parliament staffer.

The post Burma's Lower House Issues Letter Bomb Warning appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Disability Federation Criticizes Education Ministry for Discrimination

Posted: 02 Feb 2017 08:33 PM PST

The Burma Federation of Persons with Disabilities criticizes the Ministry of Education for its discriminatory practices.

The post Disability Federation Criticizes Education Ministry for Discrimination appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

National News

National News


CSOs to hold peaceful protests ahead of Panglong summit

Posted: 03 Feb 2017 01:00 AM PST

Civil society groups will launch coordinated peaceful protests around Myanmar on February 4, calling for an end to decades of armed conflict. Demonstrations are set to be held in major cities, including Yangon and Mawlamyine.

Weak security protocol cause for U Ko Ni’s death, says former Hluttaw Speaker

Posted: 03 Feb 2017 12:58 AM PST

Outdated and weak security laws in the country are to be blamed for the death of National League for Democracy legal adviser U Ko Ni, said former Amyotha Hluttaw Speaker U Khin Aung Myint on February 2.

Textile workers to step up protests over employment contract

Posted: 03 Feb 2017 12:57 AM PST

Disgruntled workers at the Panda Textile factory in Singaing township said they will step up protests against the management for not honouring the renegotiated employment agreement which was overseen by the Mandalay Region government.

CNF wants Arakan groups out of Chin state

Posted: 03 Feb 2017 12:57 AM PST

The Chin National Front (CNF) has demanded the pullout of Arakanese armed groups from the  Paletwa township in Chin state, saying skirmishes between the groups and government army have caused residents to flee their homes.

New energy master plan for Yangon

Posted: 03 Feb 2017 12:56 AM PST

A master plan to allow local and foreign investors to have a stake in the energy and electricity sector is underway for the Yangon Region as power consumption continues to surge in the capital city.

Mrauk U prepares for World Heritage bid

Posted: 03 Feb 2017 12:55 AM PST

The ancient Mrauk U temple zone in Rakhine State will be the subject of a bid for UNESCO World Heritage Status, with a team of experts set to begin surveying work with a view to drafting an application.

Court throws out increased penalty for underage rape

Posted: 03 Feb 2017 12:55 AM PST

An attempt to amend existing rape laws to allow for harsher penalties for underage rape was rejected after a Supreme Court judge disqualified the proposal on grounds that it was submitted in the wrong language.

Meinmahla Kyun wildlife sanctuary designated Ramsar site

Posted: 03 Feb 2017 12:54 AM PST

The Meinmahla Kyun wetland reserve in Ayeyarwady Region has been designated a Ramsar site, joining two other such sites in Myanmar.

Plans to make Bagan UNESCO World Heritage site under study

Posted: 03 Feb 2017 12:54 AM PST

A draft plan including three out of six criteria needed to propose Bagan as one of the World Heritage sites will be submitted to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in September, said U Thein Lwin, deputy director general of the Department of Archaeology, National Museum and Library.

Social Welfare Ministry to fight disability discrimination in schools

Posted: 03 Feb 2017 12:49 AM PST

The department of Higher Education says it is looking to root out discriminatory admissions policies at education colleges, after prompting from disability rights activists.