Rohingya Issue
DCs asked to be cautious in issuing passports
The foreign ministry has asked the deputy commissioners (DCs), especially of Cox's Bazar and Bandarban, to be cautious in issuing passports to ensure that the Rohingyas cannot get Bangladeshi passports.
“Previously many Rohingyas managed voter IDs and passports of Bangladesh. Thus, they went abroad and created huge problems in Saudi Arabia. So, we asked the local administration for double-check,” Foreign Secretary Mijarul Quayes told reporters yesterday.
After a meeting with the DCs at the ministry, Quayes said usually the border guards and coast guards are instructed to be alert when any tension arises with the neighbouring countries.
“But, we also want the local administration to remain well aware of the issues,” he said adding that as maritime dispute with Myanmar is settled, there is an issue of more vigilance in the Bay of Bengal.
According to an estimate by the government, around four lakh illegal Rohingyas, alongside 29,000 registered Rohingyas, are staying mostly in the country's southeastern districts bordering Myanmar.
The issue has come to the forefront recently as Rohingyas made desperate efforts to intrude Bangladesh following sectarian clashes in Myanmar.
Meanwhile, forty three Rohingyas, who entered Bangladesh territory yesterday, were sent back hours later, reports UNB.
Major Shafiqur Rahman, deputy commander of 42 Battalion of Boarder Guard Bangladesh (BGB) at Teknaf, said BGB members in separate drives held 38 Rohingyas from Shah Purir Dwip, two from Damdamia and three others from Rila in the morning.
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