Dhaka stands firm on the issue: Momen
Six years after the Rohingya influx in Bangladesh, the government continues its efforts to ensure their safe repatriation, though some countries and international organisations are pushing for their integration into Bangladesh.
"Our priority is that they [Rohingyas] will return to their homeland. Myanmar is also willing to take them back," said Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen yesterday, noting that Myanmar needs to ensure safety and security of the Rohingyas after their return to their place of origin.
On August 25, 2017, Myanmar's military began carrying out violent operations against the Rohingya population in northern Rakhine state, which resulted in grave crimes under international law. Entire villages were burnt, and hundreds of thousands of Rohingyas were forced to flee into Bangladesh.
The foreign minister said the government stands firm on their repatriation to Myanmar.
"So, discussion is underway. We are always hopeful," he said, adding that some countries and international organisations recommended the Bangladesh government give Rohingyas training, improve their skills, and keep them here.
Some countries and international organisations recommended the government give Rohingyas training, improve their skills, and keep them here.
Momen said Bangladesh already has a huge population and it cannot afford a large number of people from other countries.
The minister said Rohingyas came to Bangladesh in the 1970s, '80s and '90s but every time they returned, even during military rule in the past.
This week marks six years since over 700,000 Rohingya men, women and children from Myanmar fled to Bangladesh.
They joined hundreds of thousands of other Rohingyas who had previously sought refuge in the country.
As the humanitarian condition in the world's largest refugee settlement worsens, the challenges surrounding this protracted crisis continue to increase.
Steep decline in funds is forcing humanitarian actors to focus on the most critical and life-saving needs, according to UNHCR.
It has for the first time led to the reduction of refugees' food assistance, raising concerns about cascading dramatic consequences: rising malnutrition, school dropout, child marriage, child labour and gender-based violence.
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