Myanmar team visits Rohingya camp in Ukhiya

Visiting a 19-member government delegation of Myanmar led by Permanent Secretary of the Foreign Affairs Myint Thu today visited Rohingya camps at Ukhiya in Cox's Bazar.

Members of the team talked to the Rohingyas, but didn't attend the media.

The delegation arrived in Cox's Bazar around 10:00am by air and stayed in Hotel Royal Tulip before leaving for Kutupalong Rohingya camp.

The team held a meeting with the government officials and talked to a group of Rohingyas consisted of seven females and 28 males.

Later, a Rohingya leader informed journalists that the Myanmar team urged them to go back to their own home in Rakhaine state.

He said team leader Myint also gave them an idea about the facilities they would get after their return to Myanmar.

At that time, Rohingyas placed their demands to the Myanmar team which includes ensuring their citizen rights and freedom of movement after their repatriation.

However, no assurance in this regard came from the Myanmar team leader, Rohingya leaders said.

Meanwhile, Rohingyas of Extension Camp-4 today staged a peaceful demonstration during the visit of Myanmar delegation to Ukhiya Kutupalong camp. They carried play cards with their demands.

Members of the Myanmar team observed the protest but made no comments. Rather, they passed the area in smile face and talked to the Rohingyas.

The delegation is also scheduled to visit Rohingya camps tomorrow. They will visit the camp of 400 members of Hindu community in Ukhiya, officials said.

Refugee and Relief Commissioner Md. Abul Kalam said the delegation talked to the officials of different international agencies to know about the present condition of Rohingyas.

The visit of the Myanmar delegation is aimed to convey the preparation of the Myanmar government and pursue them to go back to their home in Myanmar, he said.

About 1.1 million Rohingyas fled into Bangladesh following mass murder, rape and other sorts of atrocities loomed large in Myanmar's Rakhine State since August 2017. They are now living in 30 camps in Ukhiya and Teknaf of Cox's Bazar district.

Myanmar agreed for repatriation of Rohingyas under a bilateral agreement. But, the deal found no headway due to lack of any tangible action of the Myanmar and refusal of the refugees to go back to their homeland amid uncertainty and insecurity.