2024-02-20 16:52:08
State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief. Mohibbur Rahman said that more than 1 million Rohingyas have taken refuge on the coast of Cox’s Bazar for more than seven years. In 2017, with the help of the local people, the Bangladesh government generously accepted them and gave them shelter. It didn’t take long for this generosity to become a major burden on our economy. We have spent about 120 crore rupees in this sector annually.
He said these things in his speech as the chief guest at the photo exhibition titled ‘Through the Lens of Hope: Rohingya Crisis Unfolded’ organized by the International Rescue Committee in Gulshan, Dhaka on Monday (February 19).
The Minister of State said that our expenses are increasing due to the increase of refugees, inflation and reduction in foreign aid. Refugees have also affected the local job market. As the number of workers increased, the price of labor decreased. As a result, job opportunities for local workers have decreased. The presence of Rohingya refugees for a long time has been a serious challenge to the economic, political, social situation and security system of Bangladesh.
“Until some kind of solution is found, this issue threatens regional stability and security. The decision to repatriate refugees to Myanmar is still uncertain, creating a range of problems, including drug and human trafficking’.
Mohibbur Rahman said that the final solution to this problem is to ensure the safe, voluntary and permanent repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar. We are hoping for a positive change through this photo exhibition. Through this, UN representatives, donor agencies, USAID and world leaders can strive to take decisive action. Organized by the International Rescue Committee, the exhibition will serve as an important medium for all donor agencies and the international community, which will help create awareness for a brighter future for the Rohingya nation and local people affected by this problem.
At this time, the secretary of the ministry. Kamrul Hasan, Mission Director of USAID Reed J Eckelman, UNHCR Representative MS Sumbul Rizvi, Country Director of International Rescue Committee Hasina Rahman and representatives of various donor agencies, embassies, United Nations, INGOs and NGOs were present.