Prime Minister Establishes New Committee to Tackle Rohingya Repatriation Crisis
In a major step to address the ongoing Rohingya situation, the government has formed a new national committee. This 11-member body, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, will develop a complete plan for the swift and lasting return of Rohingya refugees. It will also bring together the efforts of different government ministries and agencies.
The formation of the ‘National Committee for Formulating a National Strategy on the Rohingya Issue’ was announced in an official statement on Sunday. The committee’s main job is to set priorities for key issues related to Rohingya repatriation. It will also manage cooperation among ministries, law enforcement agencies, and intelligence groups involved in this process.
Prime Minister Rahman will chair the committee. Other members include the Home Affairs Minister, Foreign Affairs Minister, the adviser for Finance and Planning, and the adviser for Defence and Armed Forces.
The chief of staff of the Armed Forces Division (AFD) will act as the committee’s chief coordinator. The head of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), the country’s main military intelligence agency, will serve as the member secretary.
Other key members are the head of the national police force, the director general of National Security Intelligence (NSI), the head of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and the director general of the Bangladesh Coast Guard. The official in charge of refugee aid and return, along with five other senior officials, including a top police officer from the Special Branch, will assist the committee.
The committee’s stated goals include identifying important steps for Rohingya repatriation. It will also strengthen coordination among various agencies and define the responsibilities of law enforcement and intelligence groups working on Rohingya-related matters.
A special taskforce will also be created under the direct leadership of the chief coordinator. This taskforce will be responsible for creating a full national strategy for the quick and safe return of the Rohingyas. The taskforce must complete this strategy and submit it to the national committee within three months, or 90 days.
The DGFI will provide the committee with the necessary staff, facilities, and administrative support. If needed, the committee can assign these support duties to another intelligence or law enforcement agency, based on its decisions and the Prime Minister’s guidance. The committee also has the option to invite leaders from any military or civilian law enforcement agency, or other suitable individuals, to join as temporary members.
