Certain NGOs are behind halting of Rohingya repatriation: Hasan
The repatriation must commence soon as the government has been pursuing all diplomatic efforts at the highest level, said the minister.
Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today said certain non-government organisations (NGOs) from home and abroad are behind halting of the Rohingya repatriation.
Speaking at a religious gathering marking Janmashtami at JM Sen Hall here this evening, Dr Hasan said an alliance of NGOs in a statement on August 22 claimed there was no conducive environment in Myanmar for the repatriation.
“It is true that there is lack of trust among the Rohingya people but instigations by certain NGOs are visible for stalling the repatriation process,” he said.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Dr Hasan, also the Publication and Publicity Secretary of Bangladesh Awami League, warned that the government must identify the quarters, which are behind foiling repatriation process.
“We hope that the repatriation must commence soon as the government has been pursuing all diplomatic efforts at the highest level,” he said.
The information minister said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has given shelter to over 11 lakh Rohingyas on a humanitarian ground.
“The socio-cultural and ecological environment has badly been affected in Ukhia and Teknaf due to influx of a huge number of Rohingyas,” he said.
Dr Hasan said the Rohingya refugees are now committing various criminal acts including peddling of Yaba pill.
Welcoming the continued support from China and India, the minister said the date of repatriation process has been fixed, but the attempt was stalled by instigation of some NGOs.
Dr Hasan urged the Myanmar government to take pragmatic and effective steps to take back their nationals.
Presided over by Janmashtami Udjapon Parishad vice president Babul Gosh, the function was addressed, among others, by Raozan Municipality Mayor Debashis Palit, parishad leaders Advocate Chandon Talukder, Rakhal Das Gupto, Ratnakar Das Tunu, Ashok Kumar Chatterjee and Advocate Tapan Kumar Das.
The minister said from time immemorial, the people of all faiths have been observing their religious functions peacefully and maintaining communal harmony and friendship.
Later, Dr Hasan attended a reunion and reception function of Chattogram Government Muslims High School at its auditorium.
