BNP demands revoking Bhasan Char project for Rohingyas

Terming the government's Bhasan Char project for rehabilitation of Rohingyas 'suicidal' one, BNP on Friday demanded the government to immediately revoke it.
"The government has allocated money for a project to relocate 100,000 Rohingya refugees to Noakhali's Bhasan Char. It's a serious wrong decision of the government," said BNP standing committee member Moudud Ahmed.
Speaking at a discussion, he further said, "I would like to call upon the government to cancel the project as it's suicidal one. The people of Bangladesh won't be benefited from this project."
Bangladesh Democratic Council arranged the programme at the Jatiya Press Club.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) approved the Tk 2,312 crore Ashrayan-3 project in Noakhali's Bhashanchar for rehabilitating the Rohingya refugees.
Moudud also questioned the justification of spending such a huge amount of money for rehabilitation of Rohingyas when the government signed a document with Myanmar a few days back for their repartition.
He warned that if the government implements such a project the country may witness more influx of Rohingyas who are now staying in Myanmar.
The BNP leader also said once the Rohingys are rehabilitated in Bangladesh, then they will continue to raise demand for ensuring education and utility services for them. "And their demands will gradually increase. It's not possible for Bangladesh to bear the burden of Rohingyas."
He also said Bhasan Char is a desolate area dominated by pirates. "I think they who selected the place for the project never visited it."
Moudud also said the government has caught in a trap set by Myanmar by signing the Rohingya repatriation instrument with the country.
"It's happened due to the government's diplomatic failure. It won't be possible to execute the deal signed with 19 conditions as the government could not bring India, Chain, and Russia to its side. "
Regarding the next polls, he said their party is ready to join it if a proper environment for a fair and credible balloting is ensured.    -UNB