Bangladesh
Rohingya Rohingya relocation from Cox's Bazar to Bhashanchar begins
Dhaka, December 3: A group of Rohingyas who took refuge in Ukhiya and Teknaf in Cox's Bazar are relocating to Bhasanchar voluntarily. On Thursday (December 3) at noon, the group left for the new island in 10 buses.
The buses leaving the Ukhia Degree College ground area may have at least 300 Rohingyas. Apart from this, some Rohingyas from Shamlapur Rohingya camp on Marine Drive are also on their way to the transit point in Bhasanchar area, locals said.
Although no one from the administration spoke about it, RAB-15 commander Azim Ahmed said they have been carrying out security duties since morning. He provided some pictures and videos in this regard.
Temporary transit points have been set up at the Ukhia College ground to transport Rohingyas from 34 camps at Ukhia-Teknaf in Cox's Bazar to Bhasanchar. Multiple cloth pandals and booths have been set up in the field.
Sources said that a number of Rohingyas had moved to the transit point since Wednesday evening. Others started coming from Thursday morning. Necessary transport arrangements and food items are stored in advance. The transfer of Rohingyas from Ukhia College ground to Bhasanchar started in the morning.
According to sources, a delegation of 22 NGOs has already visited Bhasanchar Island in connection with the Rohingya relocation activities. About 60 tonnes of food items have been stored for Rohingyas willing to go to Bhasanchar.
According to the campers, many Rohingya families are volunteering to go to Bhasanchar. Many of them left for the transit point on Wednesday evening. The rest left this morning.
On condition of anonymity, an official of an international NGO said that there have been repeated allegations that Rohingyas are not going to Bhasanchar at the instigation of NGOs.
Meanwhile, 14 naval ships have been kept ready to take the Rohingyas from Cox's Bazar to Chittagong and from there to Bhasanchar. The first two months they will be provided with cooked food. A source said that they will be able to cook at their respective residences.
Before the Rohingyas took Bhasanchar, representatives of 22 NGOs visited Bhasanchar and expressed satisfaction over the government's planned arrangements. They assured cooperation in taking the Rohingyas to Bhasanchar.
