Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said in Sherpur Thursday a joint working group comprising representatives from both Bangladesh and Myanmar will be formed by November 30 aimed at repatriating the Rohingyas to their homeland, report agencies.
"We, during our recent visit, signed an agreement with Myanmar to pave the way for forming a joint working group by November 30 with same number of representatives of both the countries to repatriate the Rohingyas," he said after unveiling foundation stone of Araiani Police Camp at Nalitabari of Sherpur district.
The working group will be entrusted with the responsibility of deciding how and when the Rohingyas will be sent back to Rakhine state of Myanmar, he added. Local lawmaker Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury was present on the occasion.
The home minister said that the top priority of the government is to ensure safety and security of the people and for this, the Prime Minister has increased manpower of police and procured modern equipments, and vehicles for them to maintain the law and order.
Meanwhile, United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict Pramila Patten is now visiting Bangladesh to better understand the patterns and trends of the sexual violence related to the conflict in Myanmar.
The Special Representative has already visited several field locations, including the Bangladesh-Myanmar border itself.
She will meet relevant Bangladeshi authorities in Dhaka and Cox's Bazar, including the security services, to discuss strengthened collaboration and coordination with the UN to respond to sexual and gender based violence, as well as potential protection concerns arising from the unprecedented influx of Rohingyas into Bangladesh.
The scope of this mission is to bring greater and more focused attention on the patterns and trends of sexual violence in the affected communities; and to foster a coordinated and enhanced response in terms of services to survivors as well as fact-finding and documentation of violations, said an official on Thursday.
Ultimately, the aim of the Special Representative is to carry the voices of Rohingya women and children to the Bangladesh authorities, the United Nations Security Council and the international community.
She will also meet media before concluding her Dhaka visit.
The mandate of the Special Representative is focused on protection and prevention of conflict-related sexual violence, with particular emphasis on fostering accountability for such crimes as a critical aspect of deterrence.
The mandate stresses a 'survivor cantered approach' in every aspect of work, and encourages national ownership and responsibility in addressing sexual violence.
