Bangladesh on Friday called on all to take utmost care not to weaken or misinterpret the government's real efforts to relocate Rohingyas to Bhasanchar.
The government has noted that the relocation of Rohingyas to Bhasanchar has become essential to avoid any risk, including growing concerns and landslides in the crowded camps in Cox's Bazar. News UNB
The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the Rohingya are citizens of Myanmar and must return to Myanmar. The Bangladesh government is doing its best to provide shelter and security to the temporarily sheltered Myanmar citizens.
Bangladesh also called on the international community to continue its efforts to create a conducive environment inside Myanmar for the rights, speedy, safe and dignified repatriation of the Rohingya.
The statement said the international community, including the United Nations, was engaged in initiating repatriation with Myanmar, which was the only lasting solution to the crisis. To avoid various risks in the Cox's Bazar camps, the government has decided to shift one lakh Rohingyas to Bhasanchar in phases. According to sources, more than 1,600 interested Rohingyas were relocated to Bhasanchar in the first phase on Friday.
The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it was "urgent" to accommodate the Rohingya as thousands of children were born each year in overcrowded camps in Cox's Bazar. Due to the long stay of these desperate people in Cox's Bazar, the government urgently planned for the infrastructural development of Bhasanchar for their security situation. According to sources, the government has invested more than 350 million in the development of the island.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the 13,000-acre Bhasanchar Island has year-round fresh water, excellent lakes and proper infrastructure and all modern facilities.
These include uninterrupted supply of electricity and water, agricultural land, cyclone shelters, two hospitals, four community clinics, mosques, warehouses, telecommunication services, police stations, entertainment and learning centers, playgrounds, etc.
It is not like the temporary structures of the camps in Cox's Bazar, the accommodation in Bhasanchar is made of concrete which will remain intact even in natural disasters like cyclones and tidal surges. It said the island at Bhasanchar was also protected by Super Cyclone Ampan. Contrary to fears from some quarters about the island, Bhasanchar was safe even in the midst of a huge storm, the government said.
The statement said that despite the intensity of the tidal wave, 1,440 houses and 120 shelters on the island were not damaged. The island is connected to the mainland by waterways.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Government of Bangladesh has ensured adequate sanitation and medical facilities as well as adequate food supply for the Rohingyas in Bhasanchar.
It is mentioned that it has suitable hospital, adequate Covid-19 testing and medical facilities.
In addition to government agencies, there are about 22 NGOs for all possible assistance to the displaced Rohingya. Adequate security has been ensured on the island with the deployment of police personnel including women police and the area is fully covered by CCTV cameras.
The government's position on their transfer is very clear from the beginning. Only those who are interested will be transferred there.
According to the ministry, several Rohingya representatives visited Bhasanchar to see the benefits. A number of NGOs and journalists have also visited the island.
The Foreign Ministry said everyone was satisfied with the facilities in Bhasanchar. A media team and a team of senior journalists are already in Bhasanchar.
The statement also said that various stakeholders were consulted before the transfer.
We hope that the international community and the United Nations will be involved in this process very soon," the statement said, adding that the talks were arranged in response to UN concerns.
We have set another unique example of humanity in the world by creating a modern island to temporarily shelter these oppressed Rohingya," the statement said.
