Bangladesh, Myanmar to implement Rohingya return deal in 2 yrs

The first meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on the return of the displaced Rohingyas from Rakhine State was held on 15 and 16 January in Nay Pyi Taw.

Foreign Secretary Md. Shahidul Haque led the Bangladesh delegation while Permanent Secretary Myint Thu led the Myanmar side, says a press release sent by the Ministry of Foreign Ministry of Bangladesh.

The two sides in atmosphere of cordiality discussed and finalized the text of the Physical Arrangement which will facilitate return of Rohingays from Bangladesh, guided by the earlier understanding and principles signed “Arrangement on return of displaced person from Rakhine State” and the Terms of Reference (TOR) of the JWG.

The Physical Arrangement stipulates that the repatriation would be completed preferably within two years from the commencement of repatriation. Verification and return will be based on considering the family as a unit. The meeting also finalized the “Form” for verification.

Modalities for repatriation of orphans and children born out of unwarranted incidence have been incorporated in the said Arrangement. Under the Physical Arrangement Bangladesh would establish five transit camps from which returnees would be received initially in two reception centers on Myanmar side.

Myanmar would shelter the returnees in a temporary accommodation at the Hla Pho Khung and expeditiously rebuild the houses for the returnees to move in there. Myanmar would consider resettling the people staying at the zero line on a priority basis. Myanmar has reiterated its commitment to stop outflow of Myanmar residents to Bangladesh.

Both countries agreed to form two Technical Working Group, one on verification and the other on return. The Physical Arrangement has included modalities of the relevant aspects of the return.