The government has taken the decision to implement an extensive relief and rehabilitation programme for Rohingya refugees displaced from Myanmar, including the construction of shelters, relief storage and sanitation facilities through coordinated effort from government agencies, development partners and international NGOs.
The decision was taken at a meeting held at the Prime Minister’s Office on Thursday, with Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary Dr Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury in chair, said a press release as reported by BSS.
According to the release, 14,000 additional shelters will be built on 2,000 acres of land near the Kutupalong area under the programme. The Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR) will coordinate with the Armed Forces Division (AFD), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Rohingya Refugee Repatriation Commissioner’s Office (RRRC), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), International Organisation for Migration, World Food Programme and any other agencies to construct the shelters within 10 days from September 14.
All ministries, departments and organisations must appoint a focal point officer for coordination purposes, the release added.
Furthermore, the WFP will construct 14 makeshift warehouses near the newly built shelters for storage of relief materials. In addition, the WFP will collaborate with partner and other agencies to ensure a steady supply of food for the around 400,000 refugees. If there are problems with distribution of food in any area, the RRRC is responsible for bringing it to the attention of the WFP.
The release also said that any relief materials arriving from abroad will be received by the AFD, who will provide security and ensure they are transported to warehouses as designated by the deputy commissioner of Cox’s Bazar.
On the other hand, relief goods from NGOs must be handed over to the Deputy Commissioner concerned and the District Administration will handle its distribution as required, the release said, adding that NGOs must take permission from the NGO Affairs Bureau before conducting relief work.
A total of 20 additional medical camps are also to be established in the refugee camp area immediately.
The Health Services Division and Directorate General of Health have been tasked with provision of medical supplies and treatment, while the Department of Social Services shall create a list of orphaned refugees so they may be cared for.
Meanwhile, The Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE) and UNHCR will construct 500 and 8,000 sanitary latrines respectively. Staff members and officials of the Local Government Division (LGD) will also be deployed to the camp areas to address any water and sanitation problems.
Moreover, the LGD and Election Commission will instruct their officials concerned to take extra precautions for birth certificate and national ID registration when creating the list of refugees.
The press release also announced that refugees from Myanmar in the Bandarbans must be shifter to the Ukhiya camp areas as soon as possible.
Thursday, April 25, 2024
