Speakers call for Rohingya repatriation road map
They say the next elected government should solve the Rohingya crisis practically
Speakers at a webinar have called for Rohingya repatriation citing it as a sustainable solution of the refugee crisis.
They also stressed that Cox's Bazar cannot accommodate any more Rohingya, reads a press release.
The webinar titled "Forcibly displaced Rohingya in Bangladesh: Steps towards dignity, safety and sustainable solutions" was jointly organised by COAST Foundation and CCNF in Cox's Bazar today (24 August).
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Mustafa Kamal Akand, director of COAST Foundation, and Jahangir Alam, member secretary of CCNF conducted the session.
Distinguished speakers included Gawhar Nayeem Warha from Disaster Forum, Noor Ahmad Anwari, chairman of Whykong Union Parishad, Advocate Saki A Kawsar, Mojaffar Ahamed from Palongkhali Union, Imam Khair journalist, Tauhid Belal, chairman of Save the Cox's Bazar, Mohammad Helal Uddin from AGRAJATRA, Amir Hossen and Sukarna Abdullah from NGO Platform.
Gauhar Naeem Wara from Disaster Forum and refugee expert said, "We will not be able to achieve much without recognising the Rohingyas as refugee. Education is the right of Rohingya children that we cannot deprive it."
He said that local products and resources should be used for the Rohingyas response for the wellbeing of the country.
Above all, a clear roadmap should be developed of what will be done for the Rohingyas, he added.
Md Shahinur Islam, assistant director of Humanitarian Response presented the keynote speech.
He mentioned that around 1,148,529 Rohingya refugees remain entirely dependent on humanitarian assistance for their survival and due to recent funding cuts, it forces humanitarian actors to reduce the assistance.
In his recommendations, he stated that the government should not have any impunity for the Myanmar military and ensure their accountability for the genocide and crimes against humanity.
Saki A Kausar said that the Rohingya refugees are mainly responsible for the backlog of cases in Cox's Bazar. She said that Rohingya are involved with Yaba business, accuse of rape cases, and human trafficking cases in Cox's Bazar. She said that there should be a separate court for Rohingyas to solve this problem.
Noor Ahmed Anwari said 25% of the funds should be allocated for local host community but that not working well.
In addition, a comprehensive policy should be developed to provide employment to local people.
Imam Khair said the next elected government should solve the Rohingya crisis practically.
Amir Hossain of NGO Platform emphasised on ensuring long-term life-saving humanitarian assistance for the Rohingya.
