State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam on Sunday said the government is still determined to go for a “small trial,” in terms of Rohingya repatriation, to understand the challenges before going for a full-on move.
“We [will] continue our efforts. We are still determined for a small trial to understand the challenges. It has been well-explained to all stakeholders,” he said while responding to a question at DCAB Talk.
The state minister said they will go for the next stage — to begin real repatriation — after examining the outcome of the trial.
“I will call upon everyone to support that process. The Rohingyas want to go back. We are committed to their safe and dignified return. We keep working on that front,” he said.
The Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) hosted the talk at the Foreign Service Academy, moderated by its President Rezaul Karim Lotus. DCAB General Secretary Emrul Kayesh also spoke on the occasion.
Bangladesh is currently hosting over 1.1 million Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char.
Bangladesh has continued its call for smooth repatriation of the Rohingyas to their place of origin in Rakhine state, Myanmar.
Apart from seeking international community’s support, Bangladesh is also talking to Myanmar in good faith as the latter has expressed its willingness to repatriate the Rohingyas, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Bangladesh also sought genuine efforts to create an environment conducive to repatriation of the Rohingyas to Myanmar.
UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, continues to advocate for creating conducive conditions in Myanmar so that refugees can go back safely with dignity, and returns can be sustainable.
Refugees, who wish to return, should have access to clear, comprehensive, and factual information to be able to make a free and informed decision, UNHCR said.
