Rohingya relocation plan perfectly okay
Says foreign minister
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENT
Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali yesterday defended the governments decision to relocate undocumented and documented Myanmar nationals, who identify themselves as Rohingya, to Thengar Char, Noakhali, saying that the decision is perfectly alright.
He also said that the international community and donors assured Bangladesh of extending cooperation in this regard.
He, however, added that it will take time to relocate them as the place needs to be inhabitable by putting necessary infrastructure in place.
Everybody (International community and donors) has said that they will cooperate with us. We think our decision is perfectly okay, the Foreign Minister told a questioner yesterday at a briefing organised on the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas visit to Germany to attend the Munich Security Conference from 17 to 19.
Were not sending them (Rohingyas) right now. It is not possible, he said.
Houses will have to be built, primary schools will have to be constructed to provide the children with education, lands will have to be made ready for farming and jetties need beput in place for the ships that will transport them to Thengar Char, he explained. The work is going to start in this regard. We have nothing to hide. I myself will take the diplomats to that island, said minister Ali. However, he reminded that the Rohingyas who will be relocated in Thengar Char will not live there forever.
They will return their homes in Myanmar, he added. Replying to a question on Rohingya crisis, the foreign minister said, The whole world is on our side. And, we are on right track.
