The Rohingya is a minority Muslim group who is fleeing violence in the Buddhist-majority Myanmar, often seeking refuge in Bangladesh. Last week a UN delegation attended a three-day visit to a remote bay of Bengal Island, where more than 13,000 Rohingya Muslim refugees were moved last December by the Bangladesh government. The relocating of refugees as resulted in widespread criticism from civil rights groups, however the government has continued its program.
There are over a million Rohingya refugees living in overcrowded border camps in Bangladesh. The government is creating plans to transfer 100,000 of these individuals to Bhasan Char Island, which emerged from the see only twenty years ago and is well known for being vulnerable to floods. Which, as the climate crisis continues to become more critical, presents valid concerns about the preparedness of the island to be the home of a large community.
The three day UN visit brought together experts from multiple agencies who are involved with the Rohingya refugee crisis in Bangladesh. The group observed the present condition of facilities on Bhasan Char and the islands ability to address the needs of the Rohingya refugees who are relocating there. The group also spoke to authorities and workers involved in the construction taking place on Bhasan Char, in an effort to assess the work that is being done.
Prior to this trip, the UN had not been allowed to conduct technical or safety assessments on the island, or have an active involvement in the relocation of the refugees. This demonstrates how, although the UN is an important and impactful IGO, it only has as much power and authority as the state in which it is working is willing to give.
The Bangladesh government claims that the relocation of the Rohingya is completely voluntary. However, members among the first relocated group describe being coerced and not being allowed to move off the island, which is seven hours away from the southern port.
The government has dismissed the expressed concerns about the safety of the island. They claim to be building flood defenses, housing for 100,000 people, hospitals, and cyclone centers. However, such infrastructure development will require a large amount of funds, a price that does not seem to be outweighed by a clear national interest. Therefore, it is reasonable to consider that the Bangladesh government does not plan to follow through on these plans.
Additionally, with rising sea levels and the increased frequency and strength of storms, the investment in infrastructure may not present a long term solution.
It is unclear as to why the Muslim-majority country has not sought to integrate the refugees into society. However, with the new involvement of the UN, the senior official of the foreign ministry expressed hope for the proper relocation and support of the refugees.