Myanmar authorities have confirmed to Bangladesh that out of a list of 800,000 Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh, they have identified 180,000 Rohingyas eligible for return to Myanmar.
Bangladesh provided the original list in six batches during 2018-20.
The final verification of another 70,000 Rohingyas is pending additional scrutiny of their photographs and names.
This was disclosed to Dr Khalilur Rahman, High Representative to the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, by U Than Shew, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Myanmar, at a meeting today in Bangkok on the sidelines of the sixth BIMSTEC Summit.
This is the first confirmed list, and it constitutes a major step toward resolving the longstanding Rohingya crisis.
The Myanmar authorities also confirmed that the verification of the remaining 550,000 Rohingyas on the original list will be undertaken on an expeditious basis.
During the meeting, the High Representative expressed his condolences for the earthquake victims of Myanmar and said Bangladesh was ready to send further humanitarian support for the disaster-stricken people.
Cox’s Bazar Life Desk/BSS
