TIB for resolving Rohingya crisis through diplomatic efforts

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman today said Bangladesh can resolve the Rohingya crisis by carrying out diplomatic efforts in the international arena.

“The steps taken by Bangladesh so far regarding the Rohingya crisis are being praised at national and international levels,” he said while releasing a survey report on the Rohingyas in Bangladesh at the TIB office in the city.

The TIB has conducted the survey on ‘Problems Linked with Staying of Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Citizens in Bangladesh: Challenges of Good Governance’.

Mentioning, Rohingya crisis as a global problem, Iftekharuzzaman said alongside the relief assistance to the Rohingya people, a coordinated and specific diplomatic pressure should be exerted on Myanmar to ensure quick repatriation of the Rohingyas.

Bangladesh has set a unique example in the global history by sheltering the Rohingyas on the humanitarian ground, he said, adding that the government earned good will, particularly the world leaders lauded Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s humanitarian role.

The report observed that the Rohingya crisis may be seen as a challenge for stability and communal harmony in the whole hill region of the country.

It said different types of crime and violence, which are already being witnessed, might increase, if adequate security cannot be ensured in the Rohingya camps.

Chief of the survey team Golam Mahiuddin said about 200,000 Rohingyas came to Bangladesh in 1978. Of them 180,000 went back in 1979, 10,000 died and 10,000 went missing.

In 1991, about 250,000 Rohingyas again came to Bangladesh. Of them 30,000 Rohingya went back, he added.

Besides, 120,000 and more 87,000 Rohingyas came to Bangladesh from June to October in 2012 and 2014 respectively, Mahiuddin said, adding the current number of Rohingya people, including the newcomers since August 2017, is more than 900,000.

Of the total recently arrived Rohingyas in Bangladesh, 85 percent is children and 60 percent women, the survey report revealed.

The Social Welfare Ministry has identified a total of 18,499 Rohingya orphans till October 20 who are planned to be sheltered in a separate shelter center, it said.

The report also said biometric registration of a total of 313,000 Rohingyas has been completed till October 28.

Source: BSS