Despite the recent agreement between Bangladesh and Myanmar to begin the repatriation of displaced people from the Rakhine state, fresh waves of Rohingya people have entered Bangladesh in the last week. This is a clear indication that people living in Rakhine are very much in a state of terror and, are willing to leave their homes with the perception that once in Bangladesh territory, they will be safer.

Bangladesh has allowed the new people to come in but the influx will certainly put a question mark behind the rationality of sending the displaced back anytime soon.

If there is a persistence sense of fear among the people in Rakhine then it’s common sense that sending the displaced back will be a heartless act. While on the diplomatic front there has been talks and agreements signed, on the ground, there are too many imponderables that will impact and, to a large degree, complicate the process of returning.

What we understand is the Rohingya issue has ceased to be mere problem where an easy and smooth return will put an end to the misery and suffering of the countless displaced. Ambiguities surround as to what these people will do, how they will be identified and what security they will receive once they go back.

Meanwhile, a recent visit of the Kutupalong and Balukhali camps by 19 envoys of 15 countries which have permanent missions in New Delhi underscored the need for concrete medial support for the Rohingyas, who will soon face the biting cold of January and February. The worry becomes a deep concern because, as per statistics, 55 per cent of the people living in the camps are children. The Bangladesh government has already treated youngsters for diarrhea, cold, cough and other seasonal afflictions though additional international support is always welcome.

We are grateful that the visiting Austrian envoy has pledged medical support and hope that this will arrive shortly before the full onset of winter. As for creating a conducive atmosphere for the displaced to go back, an international green signal is required first. For this, UN has to carry out survey of the Rakhine State to ascertain the socio-economic factors and determine if the situation is favourable for the refugees to come back or not.

Unless this is done, we cannot send back the people in clear conscience. In addition, regional super powers should stop prevaricating on the issue with complex dimensions. Instead of obfuscation, there has to be simple, lucid statements followed by swift action so we know what may lie ahead for the hapless masses.