The UN chief in Bangladesh, Mia Seppo, has welcomed the government of Bangladesh decision to restore internet connectivity in the Rohingya camps.
“We welcome the Government of Bangladesh decision to restore internet connectivity in the Rohingya camps. Refugees will now be able to communicate with friends & family and have access to crucial information. The humanitarian operations will also run more effectively. Thank you,” she tweeted.
Bangladesh has given shelter to over 1.1 million Rohingyas who fled violence in the Rakhine State. Over 800,000 Rohingyas took shelter from August 25 in 2017 following the ‘ethnic cleansing’ by the Myanmar army.
Marking the three years of the day, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on August 24 said the government would lift the restriction of internet in the camps responding to requests for greater internet connectivity.
He, however, said: “Internet is not a suitable medium for targeted authentic, I repeat authentic instant community messaging. We have many examples of inappropriate usage of social media. Baseless rumours and misinformation can create panic and destabilise the camps.”
He said the Rohingya influx has triggered a demographic imbalance in Cox’s Bazar.
The total number of local populations in Ukhia and Tekhnaf is about 570,000; whereas the temporary sheltered Rohingya is the double of host communities.
