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ISPR terms Amnesty’s report fabricated


Published : 24 Nov 2020 09:56 PM | Updated : 25 Nov 2020 12:54 AM

Inter-Services Public Relations Department (ISPR) has termed the recent report of Deutsche Welle (DW) quoting Amnesty International titled ‘Rohingas are being forcefully sent to Bhasan Char’ as fabricated.

According to the ISPR, this is a made-up report aimed to tarnish the image of the government of Bangladesh. No forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals (FDMNs) will be forced to relocate to Bhasan Char. The government is very strict to its commitment that it will only send those families to Bhasanchar who will voluntarily go there.

ISPR further said the DW report has said that three to four hundred FDMNs will be relocated forcefully to Bhasan Char, which is completely wrong and fabricated.  In contrary, the selection process is very much transparent and only on voluntary basis. Many FDMNs are in favour of relocation for better life, while many may not agree to go who will continue to stay at their present location. Following the first ‘Go and See’ visit  which was conducted on September this year, the visiting team expressed their satisfaction regarding the livelihood, security and overall protection in Bhasan Char.  Thereby only the interested volunteer FDMNs will only be selected, the ISPR release mentioned.

Amnesty report questioned the safety in Bhasan Char in terms of human habitation. But ground reality depicts different scenario. Bhashan Char is built to provide a highly secured locality/island with quality accommodation, hygienic toilet, fresh water, medical facilities, community centres and schools for education. 

There are 1440 cluster houses including 120 shelter stations, said the ISPR rejoinder. Bhashan Char is very well protected with high dam which was demonstrated during cyclone ‘Amphan’ with no damage. Including Bangladesh Navy and Police personnel (male and female) total 758 Bangladeshi officials/citizens are staying there for about last 3 years or so with no problem, ISPR release added.

Bangladesh authority has planned to conduct visit for the UN and other agencies soon. Authority believes that upon visit, much confusion will be cleared. The Amnesty International should understand the unbearable burden of Bangladesh thereby should support Bangladesh wholeheartedly in coping with the issue, the ISPR urged.