Bangladesh is closely monitoring the deal signed between Myanmar and the UN agencies on Wednesday.
The tripartite memorandum of understanding will establish a framework for the sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas, who fled Rakhine to save their lives.
“This MoU is a first and necessary step to establish a framework for cooperation between the UN and the government aimed at creating conducive conditions for the voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of refugees from Bangladesh and for helping to create improved and resilient livelihoods for all communities living in Rakhine State,” said a UN press release issued after inking the deal.
A senior government official said, “We are yet to know the details but it is understood that as it is a framework deal, essentially more deals will be signed and projects will be undertaken under this arrangement to create a conducive environment in Rakhine.”
He said Myanmar deal is separate from the deal that Bangladesh signed with the UN Human Rights Commissioner [UNHCR].
“As far as Bangladesh is concerned, it is only responsible for sending Rohingyas, but for Myanmar, they have to ensure creating a conducive environment, safe, dignified and voluntary repatriation and necessary all works,” he said.
Former foreign secretary Md Touhid Hossain said it is a positive step but more needs to be done.
“It is a good beginning to incorporate international players in the repatriation process,” he said adding, “It is clear that the problem will not be resolved through bilateral means.”
The veteran diplomat is of the view Myanmar should feel some sort of ‘pain’ so that it has to take back the Rohingyas.
“Otherwise, there would be some cosmetic arrangements in which Myanmar would show the whole world that they are engaged in the process and everything is running smoothly,” he said.
About the settlement plan, he said it should be visible so that Rohingyas feel encouraged to go back.
“If citizenship, safe and dignified return is ensured, I believe all Rohingyas will go back,” the former foreign secretary said.
Subscribing the same view, former defence attaché at the Bangladesh mission in Yangon Md Shahidul Haque said, citizenship is the key to resolve the crisis.
“The on-going anti-Muslim and Rohingya campaign should be stopped to create confidence among the Rohingyas,” he said.
About the settlement plan, he said Rohingyas would not be interested to go back IDP [internally displaced persons] camps in Rakhine from similar camps in Cox’s Bazar.
“There must be visible and clear indication that these people will go back to the place of origin or near to that place as agreed in the bilateral deal between Bangladesh and Myanmar,” he said.
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