The government is set to conduct a first-ever census of undocumented Myanmar nationals or Rohingyas staying in Bangladesh to prepare a database and find out the main causes of their intrusion into Bangladesh, reports UNB. A Tk 21.75 crore project, titled ‘Census of the undocumented Myanmar nationals staying in Bangladesh’, was placed before Tuesday’s meeting of Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) for its appraisal. Ecnec chairperson and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina presided over the meeting.
Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) will conduct a survey in Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati, Chittagong, Khagrachhari and Patuakhali for the census under the project which will be completed by March 2016. Briefing reporters after the Ecnec meeting, Planning Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal said once the survey is completed, it would be possible to know the exact number of Rohingyas. “To take any step on the Rohingyas, we must know their exact numbers.”
Under the project, a database, comprising pictures and general information of Myanmarese national Rohingyas, would be prepared.
The census will also identify the present addresses of the Rohingyas and their origins in Myanmar. Besides, it will prepare their socioeconomic and demographic statistics.
According to the project documents, there is no accurate statistics about how many Rohingyas are now living in Bangladesh, but it is estimated that the number would be around 3 to 5 lakh.
Despite strict vigilance in border areas, every day on average 8 to 10 Rohingyas are infiltrating into Bangladesh, according to then project documents. Besides, these illegal Rohingyas have been settling in different areas, destroying the country’s forests. They are also getting involved in criminal acts.
The project proposal also said these Rohingyas lead a very poor life, and the international community has requested Bangladesh to ensure the quality of life of the Rohingyas.
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Editor : M. Shamsur Rahman
Published by the Editor on behalf of Independent Publications Limited at Media Printers, 446/H, Tejgaon I/A, Dhaka-1215.
Editorial, News & Commercial Offices : Beximco Media Complex, 149-150 Tejgaon I/A, Dhaka-1208, Bangladesh. GPO Box No. 934, Dhaka-1000.
Editor : M. Shamsur Rahman
Published by the Editor on behalf of Independent Publications Limited at Media Printers, 446/H, Tejgaon I/A, Dhaka-1215.
Editorial, News & Commercial Offices : Beximco Media Complex, 149-150 Tejgaon I/A, Dhaka-1208, Bangladesh. GPO Box No. 934, Dhaka-1000.