Rohingya return will be in 'voluntary, dignified, safe' manner: Shariar

Bangladesh has reitered its position that Rohingya repatriation will be "voluntary, dignified and safe", dispelling the concern of the aid agencies and some rights groups, reports bdnews24.com.

"Bangladesh will not risk its reputation by forcing Rohingyas back to Myanmar," State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shariar Alam said, adding "the return will be in voluntary, dignified and safe".

"From the beginning of our discussion with Myanmar and signing of the first deal on November 23, we have said that the repatriation will be in a voluntary, dignified and safe manner," Shahriar told the news agency on Tuesday.

"There is no scope of expressing concerns on that," he said as the two neighbours signed the "physical arrangement" deal on Tuesday on how to repatriate the Rohingyas within two years of the start the process.

The state minister said they will involve UNHCR when needed. It was decided when the Joint Working Group was formed.

"We'll involve them [UNHCR] based on the ground reality. We'll analyse the situation and involve them when needed," he said.

"We'll do the best possible way to send them back to their country in safe manner," he said.

"Our prime minister has given them shelter on humanitarian ground which was applauded by the international community. We'll not risk that reputation," he added.