The United Nations and UNHCR have endorsed the idea of relocating Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh to a safe third country rather than returning them to Myanmar.
However, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has emphasized the need for a permanent solution to the crisis. The United States has also supported this proposal. The Trump administration has urged Dr. Muhammad Yunus, head of Bangladesh's interim government, to plan accordingly. This recommendation was also echoed during the World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting.
Furthermore, the United States has announced that food assistance for the Rohingyas will continue until the crisis is resolved. However, the aid has been reduced twice last year.
Dr. Muhammad Yunus has instructed concerned parties to seek a permanent and sustainable resolution to the Rohingya issue ahead of Bangladesh's upcoming national election, according to sources from the Ministry of Finance.
Sources reveal that international aid provided to the Rohingyas has been reduced in two phases last year. Currently, the aid is down to $8 per person per month. There are concerns that this amount may decrease further.
Experts suggest that the cut in food assistance has led to greater hardship and rising crime rates among the Rohingyas. Additionally, it has increased costs for the Bangladesh government, negatively impacting local communities. The United Nations, along with other international organizations, has also reduced food aid in the camps, creating financial difficulties for the Rohingyas.
On 2024, the World Food Programme (WFP) cut its allocations twice. The monthly allocation for each Rohingya was reduced from $12 to $10 on March, 2024. Most recently, starting June 1, this allocation was further decreased to $8 (870 BDT).
Dr. Muhammad Yunus reportedly held multiple bilateral meetings at the World Economic Forum's annual gathering in Switzerland last week. One of the key topics was the Rohingya issue, with discussions focused on finding sustainable solutions for funding, relocation, and repatriation. Bangladesh has called for stronger international efforts to address the problem and has urged UNHCR to pressure on the Myanmar government.
Due to reduced foreign aid, Bangladesh has raised concerns ,as international support for the Rohingya issue has been cut in half in 2023 and 2024. In 2023, Bangladesh sought $876 million from the UN and development partners but received just $440 million. For 2024, the requested amount was $852.4 million, but only about $500 million was received. Bangladesh is now aiming for $1 billion in 2025, though the expected amount remains unclear.
While the United States has pledged to continue assistance, Bangladesh has called for an increase in aid. Due to political changes within Bangladesh, Myanmar and China have taken the opportunity to avoid addressing the Rohingya issue. With good communication between Dr. Yunus and the U.S. government, China and India have refrained from providing any assistance. These matters were also discussed at the World Economic Forum. However, the UN and UNHCR did not specify which region or country could serve as a third location for relocating the Rohingyas.
(Translated by Afia Nanjiba Ibnat)
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