Home Minister Asaduzzama Khan Kamal has invited five diplomats to visit Bhasanchar to allay fears over the relocation of Rohingyas from Cox's Bazaar.
He made the invitation during a meeting with diplomats from five countries on Wednesday (February 3) afternoon to discuss the situation in Myanmar. Diplomats from the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan and Canada took part in the talks.
According to meeting sources, the influential international community wants to assist Bangladesh in the repatriation of Rohingyas. At the same time, the diplomats said that Bangladesh should seek the cooperation of India and China to strengthen the repatriation process. They said it would be easier if everyone put pressure on Myanmar.
It is learned that during the meeting, the diplomats expressed some concerns over the relocation of Rohingya refugees from Cox's Bazaar to Bhasanchar. From the beginning, various international organizations, including the United Nations, have been objecting to the forced relocation of the Rohingyas.
On December 14, the Cabinet Division formed a National Committee on Coordination, Management and Law and Order for the Displaced Myanmar Citizens. The convener of the 16-member committee is the Home Minister. The five diplomats met the Home Minister as the head of the committee.
According to Home Ministry sources, five diplomatic meetings have been held to find out the situation of Rohingya refugees in Bhasanchar, what facilities they are getting in Bhasanchar and the law and order situation. On the contrary, the Ministry of Home Affairs has assured them that their basic rights are being ensured in Bhasanchar and that there are arrangements for their return to the island.
Representatives of the United States and the United Kingdom at the meeting said they were trying to create social and financial pressure on Myanmar, which would continue.
The Japanese envoy said they had asked the Myanmar government to resolve the issue quickly. But they think the February 1 incident has complicated their return.
At the meeting, the Home Ministry representatives said, "Basically, they had a lot of questions about going to Bhasanchar." However, we have assured them that their basic rights will be ensured in Bhasanchar. They wanted to go to Bhasanchar, we told them to come to Bhasanchar and give their opinion on the matter. We have said that Cox's Bazaar is our tourist destination and it is our responsibility to protect it. '
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said, "They seem to be a bit worried about the relocation to Bhasanchar." We have said that we are not forcibly taking anyone to Bhasanchar. The five countries also said they wanted to co-operate on the relocation of Rohingyas to Bhasanchar. We have informed the diplomats that a 15 feet high embankment has been constructed in Bhasanchar, cyclone shelter and roads have been constructed. Anyone can go there if they want. '
"I have invited them to Bhasanchar," he added. I said, if you look around, there will be no more fear.