Govt under pressure against Bhasan Char Rohingya relocation plan: FM

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Sunday said there is a pressure on the government by the international NGOs, including UNHCR, against Bhasan Char relocation though some Rohingyas are willing to go there to enjoy wonderful facilities for them, reports UNB.

"But there's a pressure on us. UNHCR and other INGOs want to go for examination before relocation (of Rohingyas to Bhasan Char)," he told reporters.

DrMomen said Bhasan Char is a very beautiful place and it should have been a resort. "It would be a wonderful resort, such a beautiful place. I would have made it a resort had I been in charge of it."

The Foreign Minister said the government decided to relocate 0.1 millionRohingyas to Bhasan Char to avoid the risk of deaths due to landslides in Cox's Bazar Rohingya camps.

Meanwhile, facilities were developed there so that Rohingyas can engage in similar economic activities to what they used to do in Myanmar. "There are many who are willing to go..."

Responding to a question, DrMomen said the government wants to relocate Rohingyas there gradually.