In November 2017, an agreement was signed between Bangladesh and Myanmar for the repatriation of the Rohingyas. As per the terms of the agreement, Bangladesh and Myanmar subsequently signed separate agreements with the UNHCR. However, the UNHCR has questioned the tripartite initiative taken by China, Myanmar and Bangladesh for this. Bangladesh is angry with this role of UNHCR. Angered by the stand of this specialized agency of the United Nations, the Ministry of External Affairs recently summoned its senior official to the ministry in Dhaka. He was told that there is a perception that no repatriation takes place in countries where UNHCR is based (working with refugees). UNHCR should try to move away from such an image.
Speaking about whether China’s initiative would eventually bring results, a senior government official involved in Rohingya repatriation told Prothom Alo, in July China’s special envoy Deng Zijun visited Dhaka after discussions with Myanmar. He had visited Myanmar twice before coming to Dhaka. During his visit to Dhaka in July, he assured Bangladesh that Myanmar had now agreed to take the Rohingyas back to their original home in northern Maungdu in Rakhine.
After the Rohingyas were driven out, their houses were demolished in Rakhine. So how will they return to their home there? In response, the official said that initially the Rohingya would live in temporary camps upon their return. Later, on the basis of voluntary labor, they would make their home there. Myanmar will pay Rohingyas for this.
According to China-mediated talks between Bangladesh and Myanmar, a maximum of 300 Rohingyas will be taken back every day from the first day of repatriation. However, three days earlier, on 22 August, the UNHCR had said in a press release that the Rohingyas should not come under any pressure and take the decision to return home. It is important for the UNHCR to be involved in their independent decision-making process.
