Rohingya repatriation
FM's NY Visit: Dhaka to press for early repatriation of Rohingyas
Bangladesh will reiterate its position seeking quick and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas as Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen left here for New York on Sunday morning to attend two important events at the UN General Assembly (UNGA).
One of the events will be on Myanmar's current situation where Bangladesh will reiterate its call to the international community for quick and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas, said Dr Momen.
"Our priority is repatriation. They (Rohingyas) must be repatriated. We want to make Rohingya repatriation a condition," he said, mentioning that much has been talked about democracy and the overall situation in Myanmar.
Bangladesh is hosting over 1.1 million Rohingyas in Cox's Bazar district and Bhasan Char.
Also read: Rohingya repatriation looks uncertain: Hasina tells UNGA President
No Rohingya was repatriated over the last four years amid the "absence of conducive environment" in Rakhine State and lack of confidence among the Rohingyas, officials said.
Dr Momen said President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Volkan Bozkir invited him during his recent visit to Bangladesh.
"There’ll be very good discussion. Many will join it," said the Foreign Minister.
Big-B Initiative to bring more investment to Bangladesh: Shahriar
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam has said the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (Big-B) Initiative of Japan will accelerate cooperation for development of quality infrastructure and create more investment opportunities in Bangladesh.
These, he said, will also strengthen regional connectivity.
Japanese Ambassador Ito Naoki met the state minister on Tuesday and comprehensively discussed the bilateral relations and issues of common interests.
Read: COVAX Facility: Japan to provide 30mn vaccine doses to other countries
They also reviewed the progress of the Japan-funded major development projects.
Recognising Bangladesh’s leadership role in the climate change discourse, the Ambassador said the Japanese investors are willing to invest in clean energy.
Bangladesh and Japan agreed to work together to tackle the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Both sides recalled Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s groundbreaking visit to Japan in 1973 which laid the rock-solid foundation of the bilateral relations.
The state minister conveyed his deep appreciation for Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga’s participation at the event celebrating Bangabandhu’s birth centenary and the Golden Jubilee of the Independence of Bangladesh.
Read:COVID-19 Response: Japan provides ASEF equipment to Bangladesh
The two sides agreed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations in 2022 in a befitting manner, including through exchange of high-level visits.
State Minister Shahriar Alam stated that the Covid-19 pandemic posed an unprecedented challenging time for all and thanked the government of Japan for the Covid-related assistance.
He briefed the Japanese envoy on the initiatives taken by the government to combat the pandemic and sought support from Japan to continue its fight against the virus.
Japanese Ambassador highly appreciated the socio-economic progress of Bangladesh, even during the pandemic, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and assured of continued support to Bangladesh to deal with the Covid situation.
Read: One step closer to completing historic Metro Rail project in Bangladesh: Japan
Alam underscored that if 1.1 million Rohingyas were denied the opportunity to return to their ancestral homes in the Rakhaine state of Myanmar and it could have ramifications for regional and international security and stability.
He also urged Japan to use her influence to persuade Myanmar and the international community to create a conducive environment within Myanmar for safe and dignified return of the Rohingyas.
The Ambassador reiterated Japan’s commitment of continued support for Rohingya repatriation.
Voluntary Rohingya repatriation in short term looks more challenging: UN
The United Nations has urged the international community to step up and share responsibility, noting that recent developments in Myanmar make the prospects of voluntary repatriation of the Rohingyas to Myanmar in the short term more challenging.
"The responsibility for the current Rohingya refugee situation in Bangladesh rests with Myanmar, and that’s where the solution lies," said the UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, at the conclusion of its two senior officials four-day visit to Bangladesh.
UNHCR Assistant High Commissioners for Protection and for Operations -- Gillian Triggs and Raouf Mazou -- wrapped up their visit on Wednesday and called for international support and solidarity with Rohingya refugees and Bangladesh.
UNHCR called on the international community, including through the recently launched 2021 Joint Response Plan, to continue to support the government of Bangladesh who have taken on a huge responsibility in hosting almost 1 million Rohingya refugees in the largest refugee camp in the world. "This must not become a forgotten crisis."
"While Bangladesh has shown humanity and solidarity, in line with the guiding principles of the Global Compact on Refugees, the international community must step up and give practical effect to the obligation to share responsibility, and to protect refugees and support the host Bangladeshi Government,” said Triggs.
Throughout the visit, the UNHCR Assistant High Commissioners reiterated their sincere appreciation to the government and the people of Bangladesh for their humanitarian spirit and generous hospitality towards Rohingya refugees as they sought protection from violence and persecution in Myanmar over decades.
Read:UNHCR seeks adequate medical assistance for Rohingyas affected in Bhasan Char
Rohingya repatriation looks uncertain: Hasina tells UNGA President
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday expressed concern about the repatriation of Rohigyas following the recent development in Myanmar as it has made the process uncertain.“The situation has become uncertain due to the recent developments in Myanmar,” Sheikh Hasina said when visiting UNGA President Volkan Bozkir met her at her official residence Ganobhaban.PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.Mentioning that over one million Rohingya people have taken shelter in Bangladesh, the Prime Minister said, “We were in dialogue with the Myanmar government with little progress.”
Read: Rohingya genocide continues after Myanmar military coup: BROUKShe said Bangladesh is monitoring the present situation in Myanmar as the repatriation process has become uncertain.Hasina said Bangladesh has prepared an island, Bhashan Char, for temporary but comfortable shelter of the Myanmar nationals, mentioning that over one lakh Rohingyas can be shifted there. “More than 18,000 have already been shifted.”Ihsanul Karim said both Hasina and Bozkir discussed various issues like the upcoming UNGA session, climate change, Rohingya and Covid-19 pandemic.
About the pandemic in Bangladesh, the Prime Minister said the government is trying to save both the lives of people and the economy amid the virus surge.Hasina mentioned about the stimulus packages and other incentives announced for all sections of people to keep the economy moving properly facing the fallouts of the pandemic.
Regarding women empowerment, Hasina said the process to empower women was initiated by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman just after Bangladesh’s independence.“We’re just following his path to empower women in all sectors of society – from politics to administration,” she said.The Prime Minister said currently the Leader of the House, Opposition Leader of the House, the Speaker of Parliament and Deputy Leader of the House in Bangladesh are women.She said the government has also ensured food security in Bangladesh apart from expanding the social safety net.Bozkir said they are thinking about holding the General Assembly this year with the physical presence of heads of governments. “We’re thinking of allowing a delegation of one-plus persons from each country in this year’s UNGA,” he said.
Read: Efforts underway to resume tripartite talks over Rohingya repatriationHe highly appreciated the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the remarkable progress in gender parity and women empowerment in Bangladesh. “Bangladesh has achieved tremendous success led by a lady prime minister.”About Bangladesh’s graduation from the LDC status, Bozkir said Bangladesh has become an example before the whole world. “The people of Bangladesh are very courageous, and they’ll carry it forward,” he said.Turning to the Rohingya issue, the UNGA President highly praised the generosity of Bangladesh for giving shelter to over one million Rohingyas.PM’s daughter Saima Wazed, who is also the Chairperson of the Bangladesh National Advisory Committee for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, and Ambassador-at-Large Mohammad Ziauddin were present during the meeting.
Focusing on repatriation; Bhasan Char temporary plan: Shahriar
State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam on Monday said Bangladesh has been able to establish two things in the Joint Response Plan (JRP) -- focus on Rohingya repatriation as a solution and making sure that Rohingya relocation to Bhasan Char is a temporary arrangement until repatriation takes place.
“We could reestablish two things in this JRP -- one is repatriation while another one is that we didn’t allow it (Bhasan Char) to become a permanent mechanism,” he told a small group of journalists, including the UNB correspondent, at his office.
He said the Bhasan Char issue will be there in the 2021 Joint Response Plan (JRP) but the details will be known after its formal launching tomorrow (Tuesday).
Shahriar said additional funding will be sought once the relocation process at Bhasan Char is completed as the government has a plan to shift 100,000 Rohingyas there from Cox’s Bazar’s congested camps.
So far, around 20,000 Rohingyas have been relocated to Bhasan Char under the government arrangement, said the State Minister.
He said the technical committee and the major contributors of the JRP said positive things about Bhasan Char.
When the UN will formally take up the responsibility of Rohingyas at Bhasan Char, it will further be evaluated how much funding will be required. “The final decision will be given by the UN.”
Shahriar said Bangladesh is focusing on repatriation and Bhasan Char is a temporary arrangement though many tried to make it a permanent mechanism.
“We could reestablish two things in this JRP – one is repatriation while another one is that we didn’t allow it (Bhasan Char) to become a permanent mechanism,” he said.
Meanwhile, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl R Miller met State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
They exchanged views on number of global and bilateral issues, including the launching of the annual Joint Response Plan (JRP) for the humanitarian operations for displaced Rohingyas, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the COVID situation and vaccine issue.
“They’re trying so that a senior US official can virtually join the launching event from Washington,” Shahriar said, adding that it is the reflection of US’ continuous support towards Bangladesh on repatriation and rehabilitation of Rohingyas.
The US Ambassador informed that the US would again be the largest contributor to the JRP for Rohingyas, which will be virtually launched and will attended by State Minister Shariar Alam.
He also stated that the US would continue its support to Bangladesh in bearing the burden of the displaced population.
The State Minister emphasised that sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas remains as the priority of Bangladesh, and also emphasised receiving international support for the displaced Rohingyas relocated to Bhashan Char.
The US$943 million plan seeks to meet the needs of more than 880,000 Rohingya refugees and 472,000 Bangladeshis in the surrounding host communities in Cox’s Bazar district.
Most Rohingya refugees, some 740,000, fled violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine State in 2017.
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has called for renewed international commitment, support and solidarity for Rohingyas ahead of next Tuesday’s donors’ conference.
The 2021 JRP brings together the efforts of the Government of Bangladesh, and 134 UN agencies and NGO partners to target almost 1.4 million people this year, said UNHCR spokesperson Andrej Mahecic in Geneva recently.
Jointly co-hosted by the Government of Bangladesh, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and UNHCR, the virtual 2021 JRP launch event will highlight the most immediate needs and ongoing humanitarian response.
The virtual 2021 JRP launch event is scheduled to run from 10:00am to 12:00 pm CEST Geneva (2:00pm – 4:00pm GMT+6 in Dhaka; 3:00pm – 5:00pm GMT+7 in Bangkok) on Tuesday (May 18). The event will be live streamed.
Last year, the United Nations appealed for more than US$1 billion to meet the needs of the Rohingya refugees and host communities in Cox’s Bazar District.
At the end of 2020, this appeal was just 59.4% funded.
"We stress that the international community must not only maintain support for refugees and their hosts, but also adapt to new and emerging needs and pursue the search for durable solutions," said the spokesperson.
More than 880,000 Rohingya refugees and 472,000 Bangladeshis in the surrounding host communities in Cox’s Bazar District are brought under the plan.
Also read: Miller discusses JRP, bilateral issues with Shahriar
Most Rohingya refugees, some 740,000, fled violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine State in 2017.
With the refugee crisis in its fourth year, Bangladesh needs robust and sustained international support to ensure the safety and wellbeing of stateless Rohingya refugees, said Mahecic.
This must not become a forgotten crisis. Both Rohingya refugees and Bangladesh, having generously hosted them for decades, must see the world standing with them, said the Spokesperson.
Adding to the complexity of this crisis, the Covid-19 pandemic has compounded vulnerabilities for refugees and host communities alike.
To date, the government of Bangladesh, with the support of the humanitarian community, has effectively managed the Covid-19 response and the spread of the disease in the Rohingya camps and surrounding areas, though the trajectory of the virus remains unpredictable, UNHCR said.
A coordinated and inclusive response has saved lives. However, it is critical to ensure the continued delivery of all humanitarian assistance and protection services.
The needs of Rohingya refugees reach beyond subsistence and physical safety. Refugees, like any other people, cannot be allowed to wait for years without access to education and options for a decent life and a meaningful future.
In order to mitigate the risks of people taking dangerous onward journeys, more must be done to ensure that refugees have hope in Bangladesh, and of a future back home in Myanmar.
Otherwise, they may increasingly risk such journeys by land or sea to find a solution elsewhere.
The search for durable solutions must remain focused on the voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return of Rohingya refugees to their homes in Myanmar, when conditions allow them to do so.
Also read: Ensure women’s participation in all peace initiatives: Shahriar
However, the ongoing crisis and political instability in Myanmar have added new layers of complexity to this challenge.
Dhaka seeks serious regional, multilateral initiatives over Rohingya repatriation
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said they should now seriously consider regional or multilateral initiatives for the repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar as it remains a compelling priority for Bangladesh.
"Canada, with its global stature and standing on human rights issues, may consider taking a lead in such initiatives. Bangladesh always stands ready to work with Canada and other partners in this direction," he said.
Also read:2020: Another year of agony for Rohingyas
Dr Momen made the remarks while addressing a webinar, “Evolving Rohingya Crisis and International Response: Canada’s Future Role in Repatriation and Accountability Initiatives”, held on Tuesday night.
The Foreign Minister said the displaced Rohingyas are also desperate to return home with safety and dignity at the earliest possible.
"It’s our collective responsibility to help these distressed people materialise their dreams and aspirations. Only through our concerted efforts, sustained repatriation can become a reality," he said.
Bangabandhu Centre for Bangladesh Studies in Canada (BCBS) in cooperation with Conflict and Resilience Research Institute Canada, organised its first webinar on Rohingya crisis resolution.
High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Canada Dr Khalilur Rahman, Senator Marilou McPhedran CM, Heather McPherson, Brad Redekopp, Professor John Packer and Neuberger-Jesin, Professor of International Conflict Resolution, also spoke on the occasion.
Rohingya repatriation: Bangladesh seeks Sri Lanka’s support
Bangladesh has sought Sri Lankan support to ensure repatriation of Rohingyas to their place of origin in Myanmar’s Rakhine State.
FM calls on global support for safe return of Rohingyas
Foreign Minister Dr. A. K. Abdul Momen on Sunday requested the international community to meaningfully commit to the Rohingya refugees’ voluntary repatriation to Myanmar by helping create an environment conducive to their safe and dignified return.
Japan to work towards early repatriation of Rohingyas: Envoy
Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naoki has said Japan will work towards early repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar.
Rohingya-Relocation 5th phase relocation: 1070 Rohingyas sail for Bhashanchar
As part of the government plan to relocate Rohingyas to Bhashanchar in Noakhali from Cox’s Bazar, some 1,070 Rohingyas are being taken to the island on Wednesday.