Repatriation process should start soon
The crisis is
understandably threatening geopolitical stability and regional security while straining Bangladeshs bilateral ties with Myanmar
During the ministerial level meeting held in Dhaka Monday, Bangladesh and Myanmar, very positively, have decided to form a joint working group to start the repatriation process of all the Rohingyas living in Bangladesh. Finally, Myanmar has agreed to repatriate the Rohingyas now have taken shelter in Bangladesh. It is surely a noteworthy progress but with the ball in Myanmars court it has to play it more seriously than just repatriating the refugees, it has to ensure unimpeded supply of aid and relief for the refugees and, most importantly, put an end to all forms of persecution.
Bangladesh also flagged the Annan Commissions recommendations and laid emphasis on implementation of those recommendations. Bangladesh foreign minister indicated that joint working groups would also participate in citizenship verification process apart from other related works. At the meeting, Bangladesh has repeatedly made its position clear over the Rohingya issue.
However, according to reports, joint working groups of both countries are expected to be formed later. It should not be too delayed in this case, otherwise effective management and efficient rehabilitation progress would slowdown. However, according to the foreign ministry sources, Bangladesh has also proposed a bilateral agreement with Myanmar to facilitate the implementation of repatriation process. A draft of the proposed deal has also been handed over to Myanmar side during the meeting.
The point, however, the protracted presence of these forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals or Rohingyas for that matter in our country is creating a multidimensional problem for us. That said - Bangladesh is not any how or in any capacity involved with the crisis. It is purely bearing the brunt of an internal manmade crisis of another country which is highly unreasonable. The crisis is understandably threatening geopolitical stability and regional security while straining our bilateral ties with Myanmar.
However, we expect Myanmars intent to take back the Rohingyas to be sincere. The country must act fast to materialise the repatriation process since the cost of accommodating more than half a million Rohingyas in the south of Bangladesh is shooting up at a disproportionate rate. We believe the recently held minister level talks to pave the path for a bilaterally peaceful solution to the Rohingya crisis.
