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Rohingyas voluntarily shifted to Bhasan Char: govt
DHAKA, Dec 30, 2020 (BSS) – The government today cleared that the
Rohingyas, who were relocated to Bhasan Char, decided to be shifted
there voluntarily, saying there was no question of the use of force to
relocate them.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 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, 1642 Rohingyas were relocated to Bhashan Char on 4
December 2020. The second batch, comprising 1804 Rohingyas, has been
transferred from Cox’s Bazar to Bhashan Char today.
The government would like to make it unambiguously clear that the
relocation process, which was commenced on 4 December 2020, in line
with the GOB’s efforts to decongest and de-risk the camps, strictly
followed the principle of voluntariness and was conducted with utmost
transparency.
There was no question of the use of force, intimidation or the use
of money to influence the decision of the participants. The Rohingyas,
who were relocated, decided to be shifted there voluntarily, as was
widely reported by the print and the electronic media.
In fact, initially the authority arranged for the relocation of a
lesser number of Rohingyas. However, due to increased interest and
enthusiasm, eventually more Rohingyas volunteered and participated in
the relocation process willingly, the statement said.
The relocation took place in the presence of representatives of
media, civil society and NGOs. None of them raised any question of
coercion or use of force. Rather, when interviewed, the Rohingyas
informed that they were encouraged by the positive reports on Bhashan
Char that were shared with them by their relatives who were already in
the island.
The government would like to reemphasise that Bhashan Char is
completely safe and suitable for human habitation. The 30 years’ old
island has all the amenities including healthcare, drinking water,
options for economic activities, cyclone shelters etc.
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The island offers enough space for the free movement of the
Rohingyas. Bangladesh Inland water transport corporation (BIWTC) has
already introduced regular sea-truck service between Bhashan Char and
Noakhali.
It is a known fact that the geographic location of Bangladesh has
exposed the country to regular natural disasters like cyclone and
flood. However, the country’s resilience in the face of natural
disaster is well-acclaimed.
Over the years, Bangladesh has developed effective disaster
management system. For Bhashan Char, much better infrastructure has
been put in place involving renowned international companies. The
British firm HR Wallingford was involved in the stability survey of
the island. In fact, the island was developed as per their
recommendation and design.
The flood and shore protection measures with 12.1 km long and
sufficiently higher embankment designed by the HR Wallingford secures
the island from massive tidal waves and cyclones. This is supplemented
by the installation of modern hydrographic monitoring and warning
system that can provide early warning on any natural hazards and
enable prior evacuation.
The efficacy and strength of the infrastructure of Bhashan Char and
its disaster protection measures have been tested during the deadly
cyclone AMPHAN. To address any extreme situation, there are
arrangements for evacuation in a timely manner as per GOB’s disaster
response management framework, according to the ministry.
The government has also ensured sufficient safety measures for the
Rohingyas in Bhashan Char. The island is under 24 hr CCTV coverage.
Deployment of law enforcement agencies, female police personnel,
hospitals and community clinics fully manned with trained health
professionals including female health professionals, etc have ensured
the security of the inhabitants of the island.
Since the relocation of the first batch, three new births took place
in Bhashan Char. All these three new-born along with their mothers are
in good health. Efforts are also underway to involve the relocated
Rohingyas in various activities such as fishing, agriculture and other
livelihood activities. A high-level committee, under the direct
supervision of the Principal Secretary, has been monitoring the
activities in Bhashan Char.
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The government wishes to thank the CSOs and the NGOs that are
partnering with it in its relocation efforts. The government welcomes
and expects involvement of more CSOs to open their operations in
Bhashan Char.
At the same time, the GOB reiterates its stance on the involvement
of the UN in the process and is ready to facilitate participation of
the UN as per its mandate.
However, the government is dismayed to see the generation of
distorted and misinformation surrounding Bhashan Char and the
relocation process.
“It is also disheartening that instead of appreciating the good
intention of Bangladesh, some quarters have resorted to orchestrating
misinformation to create confusion among the international community,”
the statement said.
“As we repeatedly mentioned, 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.”
The statement said the UN should send a technical and protection
assessment team to Myanmar to assess the situation of the existing
Rohingyas and also to 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. Any arrangement in Bangladesh for Rohingyas is
solely temporary in nature.
The ministry said Rohingyas want to return to their homeland-
Myanmar and all need to work constructively to that end.
“Now that the election of Myanmar is over, we look forward to
visible engagement of the international community with Myanmar for an
urgent and early repatriation of these displaced and persecuted
Myanmar nationals to their homeland,” the statement added.
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