Dhaka for more emphasis on Rohingya repatriation, relocation

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Sheikh Shahariar Zaman
Published : 00:00, Jan 23, 2020 | Updated : 00:00, Jan 23, 2020

FILE PHOTO: Rohingya refugees continue their way after crossing from Myanmar into Palang Khali, near Cox`s Bazar, Bangladesh Nov 2, 2017. REUTERSThe UN has included the issue of Rohingya settlement in Bhashanchar and repatriation in the $880 million Joint Response Plan (JRP). The JRP will also mention UN coordinated work near the Rakhine province. The government has asked for more importance on the matters. There has also been opposition to the usage of the word Rohingya refugee in the JRP.
An official of the foreign ministry said, "At the end of last month, the UN gave a presentation at the foreign ministry on JRP where Bhashanchar, repatriation and the activities in Rakhine were no properly reflected. We asked for proper explanation of the matters along with their inclusion in the JRP.”
In December, the then-foreign secretary expressed dissatisfaction over the JRP since it did not clearly mention Bhashan char.
A government spokesperson says, “They have used the word Rohingya refugee in some areas which we will ask them to omit.”
“Hopefully, through the declaration of JRP in Geneva in March, the collection of funds will begin,” he added.
"The government has constructed accommodation at Bhashanchar at a cost of Tk 25 billion and though the UN did not oppose this they are not satisfied either," said a government official adding, "We want the UN to assist us on the matter.”
The government also added that a UN technical team will visit Bhashanchar and give a report. The spokesperson added, “Bhashanchar provides accommodation for 100,000 Rohingyas and only those wanting to go back will be repatriated.”
Another official observed that we wanted to UN to add details of their work in Rakhine, including challenges plus other issues. There is a tripartite agreement involving UNDP, UNHCR and Myanmar but since the situation is still tense in Raknine the UN bodies are not allowed to work as yet.
In 2018 and 2019, the state minister for foreign affairs, Shahriar Alam, helped in collecting funds for the JRP and if everything goes to plan, he will go to Geneva this time too.
Though $950 million and $920 million JRP were declared in 2018 and 2019, the collection was 69 percent and 67 percent respectively. As per UN rules, the JRP this year will be lower than the previous two years. As per UN rule as time passes, assistance will decline.

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