Dhaka watching ongoing situation in Myanmar: MoFA

Bangladesh is monitoring the ongoing situation in Myanmar, and efforts are underway to begin repatriation of the Rohingyas in a dignified manner, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Sunday.

"Currently, a tripartite initiative involving Bangladesh, Myanmar, and China is underway for the voluntary, safe, and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas," said Mohammad Rafiqul Alam, alternative spokesperson at the foreign ministry, at the weekly briefing.

The repatriation of forcibly displaced Rohingyas to Rakhine is expected to begin soon if the situation improves in Myanmar, he said.

The Rohingyas have been given an idea of what facilities they will enjoy after their return to Rakhine to initiate safe, dignified, sustainable, and voluntary repatriation of forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals, he added.

In August this year, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen said the government wants to begin repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar this year, initially with around 1,000 of the forcibly displaced people.

Further delay to commence safe, voluntary, and sustainable repatriation and a shortage of humanitarian support may put the entire region at risk, said the foreign ministry recently.

Earlier, on 22 November, the foreign secretary said, "Since 13 November, we have been receiving reports of security issues in Rakhine, including the sound of gunfire and mortar shells in the border area. This has not only affected the Rohingya but also individuals from other communities who may feel insecure and attempt to enter Bangladesh sporadically."

Emphasising the heightened alertness of the Border Guard Bangladesh, Momen said, "Our border security forces are on high alert, closely monitoring to prevent any potential intrusions."

He elaborated on the situation by mentioning the existing ceasefire agreement between the country's army and the Arakan Army in Rakhine province.

263 more to be brought home from Libya on 5 Dec 

A fresh batch of 263 irregular Bangladeshi citizens will be repatriated from Libya on 5 December.

"Those Bangladeshis who are in the detention centres in Libya will be brought back gradually. Work is underway. It will be done gradually. It depends on how many Bangladeshis are in the detention centres. Modalities will be worked out," said the alternative spokesperson.

With the best efforts of the Bangladesh Embassy in Tripoli and the direct cooperation of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), 143 irregular Bangladeshi nationals detained at the Ainjera Detention Centre in Tripoli were transferred on a chartered flight on 28 November.

Another batch of 110 people was repatriated by a chartered flight on 30 November.

Question on poll code in the foreign ministry briefing

In response to a question about whether the foreign ministry is independently disseminating information about the election of the foreign minister and the state minister or if it's acting on instructions from the ministers, along with an inquiry into potential violations of the electoral code of conduct, Rafiqul Alam stated, "The decision to share information is made by the foreign ministry. You (journalists) can interpret it as you see fit."

On 29 November, a press release from the ministry informed that "Foreign Minister Momen has submitted nomination papers for the Sylhet-1 seat."

The day before, another press release mentioned, "After receiving the party's nomination, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen reached Sylhet today and received greetings from leaders and activists."

Responding to a question about whether the ministry sought permission from the Election Commission for the election campaign of the ministers and state minister, Rafiqul Alam remarked, "Is there any need to seek permission from the Election Commission for stating this? I'm not sure about that."