The Rohingya refugees, currently residing in Bangladesh’s overcrowded camps, have collectively agreed to relocate to Bhashan Char Island in the Bay of Bengal. Commonly known as Thengar Char Island, Bhashan Char emerged just two decades ago at the mouth of the Meghna River. The island stands uninhabited and is conveniently located around 30 kilometres east of Hatiya Island in South-East Bangladesh. In order to alleviate pressure from the overflowing border camps, the Bangladesh Government proposed to relocate 100,000 Rohingya refugees to this silt-filled island. However, it should be noted that the island lies in an area that is ecologically fragile and frequently suffers from floods, erosion, and cyclones. Nevertheless, the government has made considerable efforts to ensure safety by constructing a three-metre-high embankment along its perimeter to counter tidal surges during cyclones.
Rohingya Refugees’ Agreement to Relocate
The Rohingyas residing in the Bangladesh camps have expressed their consent to move to Bhashan Char Island. The proposition put forth by the Bangladesh government aims to shift around 100,000 Rohingyas from the congested border camps to the newly formed and uninhabited Thengar Char Island. This strategic move will help ease the burden on the overcrowded refugee settlements whilst also providing the Rohingyas with a different place to reside.
Geographical Features of Bhashan Char Island
Bhashan Char Island, which is also known as Thengar Char Island, surfaced on the mouth of the Meghna River nearly 20 years ago. It is positioned approximately 30 kilometres east of Hatiya Island. Despite being categorised as an ecologically fragile area susceptible to frequent environmental impacts such as flooding, erosion, and cyclones, the island remains a viable option for the relocation of the Rohingya refugees.
Safety Measures on Bhashan Char Island
Despite the island’s geographical vulnerabilities, the Bangladesh government has taken significant steps to safeguard the residents’ safety against the harsh environmental conditions. A three-metre-high embankment has been constructed along the island’s perimeter to protect against tidal surges during the cyclone season. These measures are aimed at providing secure and pleasant living conditions for the Rohingya refugees upon their relocation.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Island name | Bhashan Char Island (also known as Thengar Char Island) |
| Location | 30 kilometres east of Hatiya Island, South-East Bangladesh |
| Formation | Formed two decades ago at the mouth of the Meghna River |
| Housing Plan | Intended to house 100,000 Rohingya refugees |
| Environmental Threats | Prone to floods, erosion and cyclone |
| Safety Measures | Three-metre-high embankment built around the island’s perimeter |
The Role of The Bangladesh Government
In addition to devising the relocation plan, the Bangladesh government is playing a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the Rohingya refugees on Bhashan Char Island. Their work has included not only constructing a substantial embankment to protect against natural disasters but also focusing on creating habitable and comfortable living conditions for the Rohingyas in their new residence. The government’s continuous efforts towards the well-being of these refugees showcases their commitment to human rights and empathy towards the plight of the displaced Rohingyas.
