No plan to relocate fire-affected Rohingyas: Home minister
The minister visited the Balukhali Rohingya camp in Cox’s Bazar that was burnt to ashes by a fire
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal on Wednesday visited the Balukhali Rohingya camp in Cox's Bazar that was burnt to ashes by a devastating fire on Monday.
The minister reached the camp at Ukhia in the afternoon by helicopter and visited various fire ravaged blocks there. Later, he distributed relief goods provided by the Rapid Action Battalion-15 among the affected Rohingyas.
The minister said the government has no plan to relocate the affected Rohingyas to Bhasan Char. However, those who would willingly want to go to the island would be sent there, he added.
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Mentioning that many local families were affected by the fire, the minister said they would also be provided assistance so that they can recoup their losses soon.
"If Rohingyas are found involved with the incident of fire they would be brought to book," the minister warned.
While distributing clothes among the affected Rohingyas, the minister said, "Many of you have lost your relatives due to the unexpected fire. Everything has been burnt to the ashes. We are here to offer you condolence."
He further said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave the displaced Rohingyas shelter and that she is still beside them.
"The government is doing everything to ensure safe repatriation and it has taken initiatives again to ensure shelters for you," the minister told the Rohingyas.
During his visit, the minister was accompanied by Saimum Komol, lawmaker from Cox's Bazar Sadar constituency; Mostafa Kamal Uddin, senior secretary at the public security division of the home ministry; and Azim Ahmed, captain of RAB-15 and wing commander, among other administrative officials.
In Monday's fire, at least 11 people were killed and about 550 others were injured. Besides, some 400 Rohingyas are still missing after the incident.
Some 10,000 houses were burned down in the flames, displacing about 50,000 Rohingyas. Hospitals, distribution centres, learning centres, and other necessary facilities were also damaged in the fire.
