DHAKA: The government of Bangladesh is not willing to take any responsibility for giving citizenship to Rohingyas, Foreign Ministry sources said.

The repatriation process has failed twice within two years of forced displacement of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar to Bangladesh. One of the main conditions that Rohingyas have offered to return there is that the Myanmar government must ensure the right of citizenship.

Bangladesh government has given shelter to more than 11 lakh Rohingy refugees since August 25, 2017. Bangladesh made preparation for repatriation for two times through scrutinizing the list of Rohingyas who have taken refuge in Bangladesh. But both of the times the preparation was of no avail. 

Asked about the matter, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen told Banglanews: “The conditions Rohingyas are giving to return to Rakhine, especially citizenship. These conditions have to be fulfilled by going there. We will not be able to meet these conditions from here (Bangladesh). Their demands, rights will have to be established after going to Myanmar and negotiating with them.”

Among the four conditions, the main condition is surety for citizenship. Three others are as follows-resettlement in Rakhine, return of all their looted property and justice for those who persecuted the Rohingyas

BDST: 1302 HRS, AUG 25, 2019

AH/SMS