Locals voiced their 7-point demands, including stopping infiltration and sending the Rohingyas back to Myanmar through quick repatriation.
On the afternoon of Friday (January 3) at Palangkhali station in Ukhia, Cox’s Bazar, a human chain and rally was held by the initiative of Palangkhali Odikhar Bastobayon Committee with the participation of thousands of locals.
Sarwar Jahan Chowdhury, former chairman of Ukhia upazila and upazila BNP convener, said, “The people of Ukhia-Teknaf showed humanity and saved their lives by sheltering the Rohingyas. This humanitarian example is recognized by the world, but the context has changed over time.”
He added, “The government must take the initiative to solve the crisis including guaranteeing the safety and rights of the local people and sending the Rohingyas safely back to their country .”
Engineer Rabiul Hossain, president of the Odikhar Bastobayon Committee, presented seven points of demand in the main negotiator’s speech.
The demands are: – Urgent repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar, strengthening of border security to stop infiltration, pushing back the Rohingyas who entered illegally must initiate practical diplomatic activities, and local security should be ensured, including jobs.
The priority of local people in camp management (minimum 50%) must be ensured. The free movement of Rohingyas outside the barbed wire must be stopped, and strict measures must be taken to prevent the Rohingyas from renting houses outside the camps and a monitoring cell consisting of RRRC administration, district administration, and local representatives must be formed to ensure transparency in the recruitment process of the camp.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
Photo: Courtesy
