The process to relocate over 100, 000 Rohingyas to an island from camps in the southeastern district of Cox’s Bazar will start by mid-April, says the Bangladesh government.
“Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas has instructed last week to complete the relocation 23,000 Rohingya families to Bhashan Char by Apr 15,” State Minister for Disaster and Relief Management Md Enamur Rahman said on Sunday (Mar 3).
Speaking to the media at his offices, he said that all preparations have been completed. “Housing, power, communication, healthcare, storm surge protection, cyclone shelter centres and every other facility is there.”
Asked whether the international community was consulted, Rahman said, “The prime minister’s office had a meeting and another meeting is scheduled for Mar 6.”

By the government’s plan, 103,200 Rohingyas out of more than a million currently sheltered in the cramped camps of Cox's Bazar will be moved to Bhashan Char under a project with an estimated cost of over Tk 23.12 billion.

The project, which is scheduled to be completed this year, is being implemented by the Bangladesh Navy, according to English daily Dhaka Tribune.

Bhashan Char, also known as Thengar Char, is located 21 nautical miles from Noakhali, 11 nautical miles from Jahajir Char, 4.2 nautical miles from Sandwip, 28 nautical miles from Patenga, and 13.2 nautical miles from Hatia.

The only mode of commute for residents of Bhasan Char, located 30km away from the mainland, will be vessels that take three to three-and-a-half hours to travel from Hatia.

Despite the reservations of both the Rohingyas and the international community, the government is still hopeful that the plan will help manage the massive refugee population in a disciplined manner.

One of the main concerns raised by Rohingyas against Bhasan Char is that they fear the island can be washed away by tidal surges.

The area, declared a forest reserve in 2013, is 10,000 acres at high tide and 15,000 acres at low tide.

No one has ever lived on the island before. It was mostly used for cattle grazing until the construction of shelters for the Rohingyas began