The involvement of the UN in the process of taking charge of the Rohingya displaced in Bhasanchar is undoubtedly positive. It should be noted that even before the relocation of the Rohingyas to Bhasanchar, the UN opposed this issue. Despite the resettlement of several Rohingya families in Bhasanchar, the UN did not want to be involved in activities here.

However, despite the negative attitude of this world organization, the government has created a conducive environment for the Rohingyas to remain in Bhasanchar on their own responsibility. In fact, the decisions and initiatives of the government of Bangladesh have been recognized as just thanks to the involvement of the United Nations in the activities of Bhasanchar, which was expected by all. But the main goal should be the repatriation of the Rohingya.

Needless to say, the accommodation camp that the government has set up in Bhasanchar with its own initiative and funding is modern and world class. Unfortunately in the past there have been various negative comments about this government activity and attempts have been made to challenge it. However, the government was adamant about its position on the Bhasanchar issue.

Finally, the United Nations has realized that the modern refugee camp of Bhasanchar is by no means unsuitable for human habitation. This led to the signing of a memorandum of understanding on the involvement of United Nations agencies in Bhasanchar, on the basis of which United Nations agencies under the supervision of the civil administration will carry out humanitarian assistance in Bhasanchar as well as ‘at Cox’s Bazar.

As of April this year, 16,846 Burmese nationals from 4,624 families had been relocated to Bhasanchar. About 60,000 more Rohingyas will be transferred to Bhasanchar over the next three months. Needless to say, the arrangement for the stay of forcibly displaced Burmese nationals in Bhasanchar or Cox’s Bazar is temporary.

The main objective should be the rapid repatriation of these displaced persons from Myanmar. There is no doubt that repatriation is a complex process. However, a peaceful solution to the crisis is possible if Bangladesh and Myanmar, in particular Myanmar, have the political will. In this case, the issue of the safety of the returning Rohingya is very important, including good governance and legal measures. Originally, after their return to Myanmar, the safety of the Rohingya must be fully ensured. This is why giving citizenship to the Rohingya is just as important. The United Nations and the international community are expected to continue to pressure Myanmar to take positive steps in this regard.

* Hafizur Talukdar lives in Dhaka, Bangladesh, is a teacher and graduated with a Masters in International Relations from Dhaka University.