The government will be more vigilant in monitoring the Rohingyas living at Cox’s Bazar after the rally on Aug 25 that it was reportedly unaware of, according to officials.
The government is mulling over what steps to regarding the rally, operations of the non-government organisations (NGO), internet and mobile usage of the Rohingyas amongst other things.
“We are trying to ensure security at Cox’s Bazar along with other facilities,” said a government official wishing to remain anonymous.
He added that they aid several organisations that provide services to the Rohingyas at the camps.
“In between all this a quarter of the government had no idea about the massive rally on Aug 25,” he said and added that Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen himself got to know about it from the television.
The government official said that they now have concerns over the free use of mobile phones and internet facilities the Rohingyas are now using.
Responding to queries on whether the local and foreign NGO operations regarding the Rohingyas will be monitored, he said, “The Rohingya issue is extremely sensitive. Hence we would like to request everyone to not work outside any guideline provided by the government.”
MOMEN TO MEET CHINESE ENVOY
The new Chinese envoy to Bangladesh Li Jiming presented his credentials to President Abdul Hamid on Wednesday (Aug 28) and later met with Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque in the evening.
He is scheduled to meet with the foreign minister on Thursday (Aug 29) morning.
“Bangladesh wants China support on Rohingya repatriation,” a foreign ministry official told Bangla Tribune.
He said that Myanmar hasn’t kept its part of the bargain despite signing paperwork regarding safe and dignified repatriation.
“Myanmar has not implemented any of the things it signed up for including ensuring safety, encouraging the Rohingyas to return and consider their demands for citizenship which is why we reached out to China,” he said.
DIPLOMATIC BRIEFING
With fresh repatriation attempts failing once more on Aug 22 and Aug 25 marking the second year of the Rohingya exodus, the foreign minister will brief the foreign envoys in Bangladesh on Thursday (Aug 29).
“The envoys will be brought up-to-date with the recent developments during the briefing and also talk about what can be done in the future,” said a foreign ministry official.