Rohingya repatriation will begin soon, hopes FM

FE Team | Published: September 06, 2018 00:20:37

Bangladesh has expressed the hope that Rohingya repatriation would begin soon with sending the first batch of over 3,000 Rohingyas though no specific date is there to begin the process, reports UNB.
"We're thinking of beginning the first batch repatriation soon. I can't tell you the date at this moment. Clearance for over 3000 (Rohingya names) is given. Let's see," Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali told reporters on Wednesday.
He was talking to reporters after attending a seminar titled 'Rohingya Crisis: Challenges and Ways Forward' at National Defence College (NDC) in the city.
Pressed, the foreign minister said he cannot tell further on the issue but mentioned Bangladesh will remain cautious.
Asked whether the repatriation will begin this year, he said, "I told you...soon. Let's see."
On August 11, a high-level Bangladesh delegation led by Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali and Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque visited Rakhine and saw the "trail of widespread devastation" suffered by the people who lived there.
They emphasised the need to accelerate efforts to create a "congenial environment" and build houses and villages for the returnees.
Following the visit, the Foreign Secretary reiterated that the repatriation issue in any country is a very "complex and difficult" issue that cannot be done overnight.
"They (Myanmar) have shown what preparations they've taken so for taking the Rohingyas back from Bangladesh," he said.
"I would say at least something is done. We're hopeful (but) it won't be wise to do things in a hurry," he added.
Meanwhile, UN human rights investigators said top Myanmar military leaders should be prosecuted for 'genocide' against Rohingyas.