Rohingya Broadcast 04.02.2020

News headlines · World Bank provides $350 million grant for Rohingyas and locals in Cox’s Bazar · Global coronavirus infections surpass 900,000 confirmed cases; death toll nears 46,000 · Italy reports world’s highest number of deaths, nearing 14,000 · US coronavirus death toll, at 6,000, overtakes China’s, at over 3,300 · Russia sends plane with medical supplies to U.S. for coronavirus response Shortwave: 31-meter band, 9350 kHz; 25-meter band, 11700 kHz and 12030 kHz Medium wave (AM):1575 kHz Report: VOA News Topic: UN creates COVID trust fund to aid poorer countries, by Margaret Besheer, VOA News. Summary: The United Nations is establishing a trust fund to support low- and middle-income countries in responding to the coronavirus pandemic and recovering from its socio-economic shock. “It is a call to action,” U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told journalists Tuesday during the virtual launch of the plan and his “Shared Responsibility, Global Solidarity” report. The secretary-general said the pandemic is the greatest test the world has faced since the United Nations was formed 75 years ago. He called for a large-scale, coordinated, multilateral response amounting to at least 10% of global GDP. Translated and narrated by Hamid Hussain. Coronavirus PSA: Mohammad Rukon Uddin Report: Mohammed Rukon Uddin (Cox’s Bazar) Topic: Rohingya Cultural Musical Club (RCMC) promotes creativity and identity. Translation summary: The Rohingya Cultural Musical Club strives to preserve and promote the ethnic group’s music and identity. Founded in 2017, it now has 17 members. One is Mohammad Dildar, a 52-year-old man who plays tabla and writes lyrics for the group’s original songs. Those “taranas” combine music and poetry, touching on everything from Rohingya history to desires for love and their longing for home. Performances also promote traditional clothing and foods such as luri fira, a cake. “It is very important to maintain our culture because it portrays our identity,” said Dildar, who lives in the sprawling Kutupalong camp. Otherwise, he fears, the culture will be lost. He said the club also is working on a film.