Rohingyas who fled persecution in Myanmar have said that unless security and social respect are ensured, they will not return to Rakhine State in Myanmar.
They also want to be involved in talks about their repatriation. In this aim, a movement has begun by Rohingyas living in several camps in Teknaf, Ukhia and others.
As part of the movement, they are not cooperating with UNHCR in making smart cards. The movement will run till Nov 28.
Rohingyas have made four demands: 1. Rohingyas cannot be forced to take smart cards, 2. No Rohingya can be detained if unwilling to take smart card, 3. Smart card must mention ‘Rohingya’ as ethnic identity and 4. Collected information about Rohingyas cannot be handed over to the Myanmar government.
Since the Rohingyas were driven out of their home for their ethnic identity, they feel the usage of the word ‘Rohingya’ is essential.
They also feel that much of the discussion about their welfare was done without any consultation.
Meanwhile, Teknaf Rohingya camp in charge, Mahbubur Rahman Bhuiyan, said, “Many Rohingyas are unhappy since there is a restriction on their movement prior to the elections.”
A Rohingya resident says, “While our information is being collected for the smart cards, the word ‘Rohingya’ is not being used which we find demeaning.”
Due to a systematic crackdown by the Burmese military, around 700,000 Rohingyas fled Rakhine since Aug 25 last year and took shelter in Bangladesh.
Currently, in 30 camps more than 1.1 million Rohingyas are residing.