While a request for $ 920 million was made for the carrying on the humanitarian help for the Rohingyas, so far 60 percent has come, with the most from the USA. This year, the USA gave $ 274 million. The Rohinghya exodus began on Aug 25, 2017 when large number of people came to Bangladesh to avert a crackdown by Myanmar army.
Around 750,000 people entered the country adding to the previous 350,000, who now reside at various camps in Cox’s Bazar, Ukhia and Teknaf.
The government is carrying out international diplomacy to send the Rohingyas back to their country while UN is providing other help.
To support the Rohingyas, a Joint Response Plan was taken and in 2018, UN asked for $ 950 million as assistance. Several countries and donors gave 70 percent and since the repatriation did not happen, UN again asked help from donors and partners.
This year, the asked amount is $920 million. UN sources say that 60 percent of the fund has been arranged so far but the lion’s share of the assistance was given by the USA, which is more than $670 million.
This year, US assistance is $247 million ($ 274 million or around than Tk 22.75 billion).
UK has given $120 million, Australia $34 million, European Commission $31 million, Japan, $31 million, Canada $23 million, Qatar Thani Foundation $22 million, Germany $17 million, Saudi Arabia $10.6 million, UAE$ 10 million, New Zealand$ 4.5 million, Norway$ 4.4 million, Turkey$ 4 million etc.
Russian help has been $1 million. Bangladesh expects that USA will also play a role in repatriating the Rohingyas.
A spokesperson of the Bangladesh embassy in the USA, said: “We call upon Myanmar to create a conducive atmosphere for the safe, dignified and secure return of the Rohingyas.”
Former Bangladesh envoy to China, Munshi Fayez Ahmed, said: “This is indeed a positive sign that USA is giving assistance but if they carry on giving us political support then solving this problem will be easy.”
Former defence attache to Myanmar, Shahidul Huq, said: “In addition to humanitarian help, punitive measures against Burma will provide swift solution to the imbroglio; USA has imposed travel restrictions on some generals which need to be extended.”