Relocation of Rohingyas to Bhashan Char not forceful: Dhaka

GBNEWS24 DESK//

Bangladesh has said 30-year-old island Bhashan Char is completely safe and suitable for human habitation with all the amenities and there has been no forceful relocation.

“There is no question of the use of force, intimidation or the use of money to influence the decision of the participants,” said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday mentioning different facilities in Bhashan Char like healthcare, drinking water, options for economic activities and cyclone shelters, reports UNB.

The island offers enough space for the free movement of the Rohingyas and Bangladesh Inland water transport corporation (BIWTC) has already introduced regular sea-truck service between Bhashan Char and Noakhali, it said.

Bangladesh said the problem is created by Myanmar and its solution lies solely with Myanmar.

“Therefore, instead of mounting undue and unjustified pressure on Bangladesh, the international community including the UN/INGOs/international humanitarian and human rights organizations must focus on the egregious human rights violations that the Rohingyas have been facing for generations in Myanmar,” MoFA said.

The numerous challenges associated with the temporary hosting of persecuted Rohingyas from Myanmar has compelled the government of Bangladesh to plan relocation of 100,000 Rohingyas to Bhashan Char.

Accordingly, 1,642 Rohingyas were relocated to Bhashan Char on December 4. The second batch, comprising 1,804 Rohingyas, was transferred from Cox’s Bazar to Bhashan Char on December 29.

Bangladesh has urged the United Nations to send a technical and protection assessment team to Myanmar to assess the situation of the existing Rohingyas and also see the preparation for repatriation on the ground.

“It should be remembered that Rohingyas are Myanmar nationals. Bangladesh has been hosting them on a temporary basis purely out of humanitarian gesture,” MoFA said.

Any arrangement in Bangladesh for Rohingyas is solely temporary in nature, it said.”Rohingyas want to return to their homeland- Myanmar and all need to work constructively to that end,” MoFA said.