While a request for $ 920 million was made by the government to carry the humanitarian assistance for the Rohingya refugees, so far 60 percent of the total demand has already come, said officials. They said of the total financial assistance provided by different nations and global agencies for Rohingyas, the lion share is coming from the USA, which is more than $670 million. Of the promised $670 million, this year, the US gave $ 274 million.
The Rohinghya exodus began on Aug 25, 2017 when large number of people from the minority Myanmar Muslim community poured into Bangladesh to avert a bloody crackdown by orchestrated by Myanmar army. Around 750,000 people entered the country adding to the previous 350,000, who now reside at various camps in Cox’s Bazar, Ukhia and Teknaf.
The government is carrying out international diplomacy to send the Rohingyas back to their country while UN is providing other help. To support the Rohingyas, a Joint Response Plan was taken and in 2018, UN asked for $ 950 million as assistance. Several countries and donors gave 70 percent and since the repatriation did not happen, UN again asked help from donors and partners.
This year, the asked amount is $920 million. UN sources say that 60 percent of the fund has been arranged so far but the lion’s share of the assistance was given by the USA, which is more than $670 million. This year, US assistance is $247 million ($ 274 million or around than Tk 22.75 billion).
UK has given $120 million, Australia $34 million, European Commission $31 million, Japan, $31 million, Canada $23 million, Qatar Thani Foundation $22 million, Germany $17 million, Saudi Arabia $10.6 million, UAE$ 10 million, New Zealand$ 4.5 million, Norway$ 4.4 million, Turkey$ 4 million etc.
Russian help has been $1 million. Bangladesh expects that USA will also play a role in repatriating the Rohingyas. A spokesperson of the Bangladesh embassy in the USA, said “We call upon Myanmar to create a conducive atmosphere for the safe, dignified and secure return of the Rohingyas.”
Former Bangladesh envoy to China, Munshi Fayez Ahmed, said “This is indeed a positive sign that USA is giving assistance but if they carry on giving us political support then solving this problem will be easy.” Former defence attaché to Myanmar, Shahidul Huq, said “In addition to humanitarian help, punitive measures against Burma will provide swift solution to the imbroglio; USA has imposed travel restrictions on some generals which need to be extended.”
