Bangladesh and Myanmar agreed on Tuesday to begin the repatriation of the first batch of Rohingyas by mid-November and the number is yet to be finalised, reports UNB.
"We're looking forward to starting the repatriation by mid-November. This is the first batch," Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque told reporters without giving any specific number of Rohingyas to be repatriated in the first batch.
Foreign Secretary Haque made the announcement after the third Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting on the repatriation of verified Rohingyas.
The joint working group members from both sides will visit Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar today (Wednesday) and will have interactions with Rohingyas.
"You'll have answers on some of your questions tomorrow (Wednesday)," Foreign Secretary Haque said adding that they will meet Rohingya population and try to encourage those who have left Northern Rakhine to go back in safety and security.
The third foreign secretary-level JWG meeting, held at state guesthouse Meghna in the city, was co-chaired by Permanent Secretary Myint Thu of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar and his Bangladesh counterpart Senior Secretary M Shahidul Haque of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Myanmar Permanent Secretary Myint Thu said they had a very friendly and candid meeting and came up with the "very concrete results" on the commencement of the repatriation.
"We've shown our political will, flexibility, and accommodation in order to commence the repatriation at the earliest possible dates," he said.
Responding to a question, the Myanmar official said, "We're promoting public policy which includes police personnel together with the local communities to maintain and promote law and order." He also said they are also promoting awareness on the fundamental principles so that people can get access to justice system if they encounter any issue.
"We've put in place a number of measures to make sure there's secured environment for their return," said the Myanmar secretary.
Foreign Secretary Haque termed the meeting very productive and constructive and special focus was given on the return of Rohingyas.
He said they always say the return of Rohingyas is a complex and difficult process and if both sides have political will it's possible to bring the issue to a fruitful end. "Throughout the discussion, we felt that both sides have strong political will (to start the repatriation)."
Both sides discussed the Rohingya repatriation issue in details as there are "intensive efforts" to begin the repatriation.
Bangladesh sought updates on what steps would be taken for the safe and sustainable return of Rohingyas to their homeland Myanmar from Bangladesh.
