DHAKA: The repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar is delayed due to incomplete arrangements, said Bangladesh refugee relief and rehabilitation commissioner Abul Kalam.   

According to a Bangladesh-Myanmar deal, the first phase of the repatriation was supposed begin on Tuesday (Jan 23). 

However, all arrangements could not be completed in due time, reports many international media quoting the official. 

On Monday (January 22), Abul kalam said, "There are many things remaining. The list of people to be sent back is yet to prepared, their verification and setting up of transit camps is remaining.”

Under an agreement signed last week, Myanmar is set to receive Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh at two reception centres and a temporary camp near their common border starting on Tuesday and continuing over the next two years.

The repatriation will begin slowly and gradually gain pace. According to foreign ministry sources, Myanmar will repatriate 300 Rohingyas a day at the beginning which will be increased within months. 

On Sunday (January 21), Foreign Minister Mahmood Ali briefed foreign diplomats in Dhaka ahead of the repatriation process.

Nearly 700,000 Rohingyas have fled to Bangladesh from August 25, 2017 after the Myanmar army started operating vicious ethnic cleansing on Rohingyas in Myanmar`s Rakhine state. Although they were provided shelter in Cox`s Bazar, Bangladesh was demanding their safe return from the beginning.

BDST: 2050 HRS, JAN 22, 2018
AP