First Batch of Rohingyas set to move to Bangladesh island

The first batch of upto 3,000 displaced Rohyingyas out of 1.1 million in camps are set to move to an island in the Bay of Bengal in south-eastern Bangladesh, local officials said on Saturday.

Officials on Cox’s Bazar tourist town said upto 3,000 Rohingyas will be shifted within a couple of days to Bhashanchar Islan in the Bay of Bengal and close to Noakhali district.

“We are all set and will give any other support required for taking them to Bhashanchar ,” M. Kamal Hossain, the district administrative chief, was quoted as saying by the private Somoy TV.

The development comes after recent visit to the island by the international media to showcase the safety and facilities specially constructed by Bangladesh with foreign consultants.

Refugee organisations have been against the move saying Bhashanchar is not safe, but the Dhaka government rejected their claims.

More than three years ago, Rohingyas fled their homes because of persecution by the Myanmar military.

Their repatriation back to Myanmar has remained uncertain so far due to reluctance by the neighbouring country.

newsnextbd/nq/