The UNHCR has started to interview the Rohingya families who are in the repatriation list to know whether they want to go back Rakhine or not.
The UN refugee agency has spoken to 11 families on Tuesday (Nov 13) and by Wednesday (Nov 14) will speak to another 19 families, Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Mohammad Abul Kalam told Bangla Tribune.
“The UN agency will give us its full report after interviewing the 30 families,” he said.
The government on Oct 28 handed over the list of 485 Rohingya families to the UNHCR and requested them to engage with them.
Bangladesh and Myanmar want to repatriate 150 Rohingyas of the 30 families on Nov 15.
Kalam said the UN agency will speak to other remaining families in phases.
According to a memorandum of understanding between Bangladesh and UNHCR, the repatriation will be voluntary and UNHCR will provide support.
Kalam said the government is ready for repatriation and they have taken all necessary preparation.
An official said on condition of anonymity that the repatriation will take place through the land border.
“We will take the families to the transit camp and they will go to Rakhine through Ghundum-Buthodong border,” he said.
Bangladesh and Myanmar had a meeting in Dhaka on Oct 30 and fixed Nov 15 to start repatriation. Consequently, the neighbouring country gave its final consent on Monday for a go ahead.
Over 1.1 million Rohingyas have taken shelter in Bangladesh as they faced persecution and ethnic cleansing in Rakhine by the Myanmar military.