India has almost completed construction of 250 pre-fabricated houses to facilitate the return of Rohingyas, in the Rakhine State.
This was disclosed by the Indian High Commissioner in Bangladesh Harsh Bardhan Shringla on Monday.
Addressing a programme, organised to hand over third tranche of Indian relief goods for Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar, Shringla said foundation work has already started for 50 houses at a village called Kyein Chaung in Maungdaw district of Myanmar.
These dwellings are intended to facilitate the return of displaced persons now staying in Bangladesh.
He recalled that in May, 2018, the External Affairs Minister of India underscored the need for three Ss - safe, speedy and sustainable return of the displaced persons to Rakhine State.
"India has always stood by Bangladesh in times of need. Ours is a relationship based on trust, friendship and shared martyrdom that goes beyond strategic partnership. It is in this spirit of friendship that we have come forward to share their burden and will continue to do so," he added.
Mr Shringla said India understands the plight of the displaced persons and Bangladesh's support to them under trying circumstances deserves appreciation.
"I wish to convey that India will continue to extend humanitarian assistance to support the Government of Bangladesh in its efforts to provide succour to the displaced persons. Our gesture of providing relief will continue beyond the third tranche".
In September, 2017, the External Affairs Minister of India Sushma Swaraj had announced relief operations under 'Operation Insaniyat' for displaced persons from the Rakhine State of Myanmar in Bangladesh.
The first tranche of relief materials consisting of 4.5 lakh food packs of rice, lentils, milk, etc was delivered in September, 2017.
In April, 2018, during his visit to Dhaka, our Foreign Secretary announced the second phase of humanitarian assistance. In May, 2018, the second tranche of relief materials consisting of 373 metric tonnes of dry fish, milk powder, baby food, rain coats and gum boots to cater to the rainy season was handed over.
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