Article: Bangladesh’s Relocation of Rohingya Refugees – A Detailed Explanation
The Bangladeshi government has recently commenced the movement of over 1,500 Rohingya refugees to the remote Bhasan Char island in the Bay of Bengal. This action has prompted discussion and concern internationally.
The Backdrop
The Rohingya are an Indo-Aryan ethnic group predominantly residing in Rakhine State, Myanmar. They are stateless and have been described by the United Nations (UN) as one of the most persecuted minorities in the world. Before the 2016–17 crisis, around 1 million Rohingya lived in Myanmar, with a significant majority being Muslim, and a minority practicing Hinduism.
Despite the Rohingya’s long history in the region, dating back to the 8th century, Myanmar’s 1982 nationality law denies them citizenship, effectively preventing them from acquiring nationality. Following increased conflict in Myanmar in 2017, the influx of Rohingya refugees into Bangladesh intensified, leading to overcrowded refugee settlements near Cox’s Bazar city.
In response to this crisis, the Bangladesh government proposed their Ashrayan Project in June 2015, suggesting the resettlement of Rohingya refugees on Bhasan Char island.
Bhasan Char: The New Home for Rohingya Refugees
Located 21 miles from the mainland, Bhasan Char is a secluded island in Hatiya, Bangladesh. The island, also known as Char Piya or Thengar Char, surfaced only two decades ago, created from Himalayan silt carried by the Meghna river. Covering 40 square kilometres, it was uninhabited and frequently submerged by monsoon rains until recent development.
Over 112 million dollars were spent to build flood protection embankments, houses, hospitals, and mosques on the island by the Bangladesh navy. However, the island remains underwater during the monsoon season from June to September.
Concerns and Controversies Surrounding the Relocation Plan
Many humanitarian organisations, including the UN, have expressed concerns over Bhasan Char’s suitability for human settlements. Due to the island’s ecological vulnerability to floods, erosion, and cyclones, critics argue that it is not safe for habitation.
Earlier this year, Amnesty International released a report highlighting allegations of poor living conditions, limited food and healthcare facilities, lack of telecommunication access, and instances of sexual harassment on the island.
India’s Stand and International Provisions for Rohingya Rights
India has taken a somewhat different stance on the issue, viewing Rohingyas as potential threats to its national security due to alleged links with international terror groups. The country has been reluctant to pressure Myanmar to accept repatriation and grant citizenship to Rohingyas.
Internationally, various provisions support the rights of refugees like Rohingyas. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) in 1966 ensures that refugees enjoy fundamental rights and freedom equal to nationals in their asylum country. Furthermore, the 1951 Refugee Convention prohibits returning a refugee to a country where they may face serious threats to life or freedom.
A Path Forward
The Bangladesh government, along with external partners, needs to focus on long-term solutions to the situation. This includes constructing safer housing, enhancing refugees’ educational and work opportunities, and supporting communities hosting refugees.
It is also vital that the Myanmar government addresses issues of discrimination, implements just mechanisms for victims, rewrites laws, and holds accountable those who violate human rights. Only through such comprehensive measures can Myanmar transition into a democracy that upholds human rights for all its inhabitants.
Last Modified: February 9, 2024