Most Rohingyas entered Bangladesh through different border areas of Teknaf of Cox's Bazar and took shelter in Kutupalong and Balukhali refugee camp. However many others who entered through Tambru and Chakdal Border area, are now staying in Bandarban. These Rohingyas, who left their houses and crossed the border through a long journey, are still unable to forget the memories of torture and overcome the mental discomfort. Government is conducting a shifting process of the Rohingyas sheltered in Bandarban to Teknaf Kutupalong Camp. But they are unwilling to shift to the Kutupalong Refugee Camp. These refugees don’t want to become homeless again.
Rohingyas said that before coming to Bangladesh, they faced inexpressible torture by the Myanmar Army. In Rakhine, they had to starve. In addition to this, to enter Bangladesh, they had to walk several days and cross hills, rivers, and jungles on foot. As a result, many people have lost their physical ability even to walk. After coming here many people have been infected with various diseases. They are still unable to overcome the long-term physical-mental stress of this long journey.
According to the statistics of the district administration, nearly 20 thousand Rohingyas have taken shelter in West part of Tambru border of Ghumgum union of Bandarban. And about 10 thousand Rohingyas are living in the Chakdala border area of Naikhongchhari Upazila. Meanwhile, the process of shifting Rohingya's to Kutupalang Refugee Camp has started. In the initiative of district administration on Tuesday (October 3rd), 221 people of 50 Rohingyas families were shifted to Kutupalong camp.
The district administration said that the other Rohingyas will also be shifted to Cox's Bazar gradually. But they do not want to shift from here.
Rohingyas sheltered in Bandarban said that they had just started to adapt to the environment of Bandarban. If they are taken to Kutupalong, they have to start their life there newly. Some people have expressed their fear that they may become ill again in the new environment.
Mahmuda Khatun a Rohingya sheltered in the west area told the Bangla Tribune, ‘We are fine here. We do not want to go to Kutupalong. There are still many Rohingya in Myanmar; they will come here to take shelter. It will be better if the government take them to Kutupalong.’
Rohingya Mohammad Nuru said, ‘We are fine here and we have no problem regarding food here. So, we want to stay here do not want to go elsewhere.
He further said that to overcome the physical pain and stress they don’t want to shift their temporary shelters anymore.
Another Rohingya Ahmed Kabir said, ‘All of us have become sick in the journey to enter Bangladesh. My wife and children are all sick. It would be difficult to take them to Kutupalong in this condition.’He also said, "After coming from Myanmar, we struggled a lot to build these tents. Now if we leave these then we will feel hurt.’
Regarding the initiatives of the government to arrange shelter for the Rohingyas, Bandarban district administrator Dilip Kumar Banik told the Bangla Tribune, ‘"The government has arranged temporary accommodation in Ukhia's Kutupalong in Cox's Bazar for those Rohingyas who have been victims of torture in Myanmar. As long as they are not going back home, they will live there. The government has taken such initiatives for proper management. As part of this, the Rohingyas of Bandarban will also be transferred to Kutupalong gradually.’
The District commissioner further said, "Now the Rohingya are staying in Zero Point. Staying here is not safe for Rohingyas. At any moment, Myanmar may attack them. They are taken away considering their security.’ However, only healthy people are being taken to Kutupalong for the time being; sick people will be shifted gradually.
