Rohingyas: Repatriation is urgent

The economic pressure on Bangladesh has increased with the shelter of Rohingyas for humanitarian reasons. Bangladesh is facing many issues with deteriorating law and order, environmental catastrophe, political and socio-economic risks, the collapse of the tourism industry, strong security risks, massive damage to Cox's Bazar, health risks and so on.

The security of the local people is at great risk in the areas where the Rohingyas have been given shelter. The country is now facing a tough challenge as the Rohingyas are involved in various criminal activities there.

On the one hand, it is difficult to provide accommodation, medical treatment and food to scores of Rohingyas. There is also a concerning issue whether the Rohingyas will return to their homeland. Bangladeshi local people are afraid that maybe they will not return to their country.

Rohingyas are now involved in many criminal activities in the area. It's like cutting own canals and bringing crocodiles through it. Rohingyas are also threatening to evict local people from there.

The number of Rohingyas registered in 34 camps in Ukhia, Teknaf is 11 lakh 17 thousand which is more than the number of local people. Local people are being affected in various ways over the Rohingya crisis. They are involved in various types of crimes, such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, smuggling and so on.

Cox's Bazar is facing irreparable damage to the natural environment; Anxiety seems to be on the rise as it will once make the local people refugees!

It seems Myanmar has no interest in Rohingya repatriation with international attention is waning. IOM spokesman George McLeod said the challenge is that the international attention that was there, in the beginning, is no longer there. As a result, it is becoming difficult for developing countries to bear their responsibilities.

The Corona epidemic is expected to worsen the world's economic situation in the near future. It is very difficult for them to survive in this situation when an additional 1.1 million people are poisoned.

Therefore, it is urgent for Bangladesh to repatriate the Rohingyas as soon as possible with the help of the international community by increasing its diplomatic activities; otherwise, the country will have to pay a heavy price.

Sanjana Hossen Ontora is currently studying Information Science and Library Management at the University of Dhaka.