Bangladesh wants to catch Rohingya on island

dhaka - Bangladesh wants to temporarily shelter 100,000 displaced Rohingya Muslims on an island in the Bay of Bengal. The authorities spend almost 236 million euros to develop Bhashan Char and make them suitable for refugee shelters.

Minister Mustafa Kamal (Planning) stated that it will take time to repatriate Rohingya refugees from Myanmar. His country needs a place in the meantime to accommodate the displaced Muslims. The project to house 100,000 refugees on the island must, according to the Minister, be completed by 2019.

The plan is not undisputed. Critics argue that the island is virtually uninhabitable. In the rainy season, this is regularly under water. Pirates are also active in the area. Nevertheless, a government committee under the leadership of Prime Minister Hasina approved the plan.