Expressing concern over the pressure placed on limited resources by the added presence of a large number of Rohingya refugees, speakers at a discussion programme yesterday recommended a separate development plan for rehabilitation of Cox's Bazar's economy and environment. The speakers came up with the suggestion at a dialogue titled "Aid Transparency and Solidarity Approach in Rohingya Response" organised by 'Today COAST Trust' at CIRDAP auditorium, said a press release.

Attending the programme, Nahida Sobhan, Director General of UN in MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) said "Sustainable, safe and voluntary repatriation is the goal of the government. There is a greater need of coordination between the humanitarian response and the local NGOs to address the goal."

UNHCR Bangladesh Country Representative, Papa Kysma Sylla said "It is of great concern that how we can reduce the burden of the one million refugees from the people of Cox's Bazar. We have to work with the Myanmar Government to improve the situation so that the refugees can go back to their country."

The dialog was chaired by Abdul Karim, ex-Principle Secretary to the Government and Managing Director of PKSF while the Chief Guest was Nahida Sobhan, representing the Foreign Secretary and the Chair of the National Task Force for Rohingya Refugee Response.

UN Resident Coordinator Mia Seppo, IoM Country Director George Gigauri, UNHCR Bangladesh Country Representative Papa Kysma Sylla, Anita Kattakuzhy of Oxfam International, Abu Morshed Chowdhury of Cox's Bazar CSO NGO Forum (CCNF) also spoke at the programme.