Clear example of govt’s diplomatic failure: BNP

BNP yesterday expressed reservations about relocation of Rohingyas to Bhashan Char.

"The process of relocating some Rohingya refugees to Bhashan Char, ignoring objections of the United Nations and other international organisations, is a clear example of the boundless diplomatic and political failures of the present government, which has no public mandate," Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, secretary general of the party said at a press conference at BNP Chairperson's Gulshan office.

He alleged that the government has taken the Bhashan Char project to indulge in corruption and to cover up its failures to repatriate Rohingyas to their motherland in Myanmar.

The BNP leader said construction of such permanent housing in Bhashan Char may create new obstacles to resolving the main problem.  He feared that the permanent infrastructure that has been built and is being built in Bhashan Char for refugees may lead to the perception among Myanmar authorities that Bangladesh is accepting the Rohingyas permanently. 

He said it is now necessary to mount multidimensional pressure on Myanmar with the help of the UN and other international organisations to overcome the Rohingya crisis instead of wasting time in the name of relocating refuges. 

On another note, Fakhrul announced that BNP will stage protest on December 21 across the country, against border killings.

"Black flags will be hoisted at all offices of the party across the country, including its Nayapaltan central office, on December 21 while BNP leaders and activists will wear black badges or black outfits on the day," he said.