Local elected representatives and NGOs on Sunday demanded stronger border security in Cox’s Bazar and the formation of a Rohingya Repatriation Commission to accelerate repatriation.
The demand came at a press conference held at Cox's Bazar Press Club on Monday titled “Sovereignty must be upheld in Cox’s Bazar; participation of local government and people in Rohingya relief activities is essential,” organised by the Cox’s Bazar CSO–NGO Forum (CCNF).
Moderating the programme, CCNF Co-Chair Rezaul Karim Chowdhury said further Rohingya entry into Bangladesh must be stopped in the interest of national security.
He called for strengthening Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) operations, ensuring Army presence at the border and continuing diplomatic efforts on Rohingya repatriation through ASEAN and dialogue with the Arakan Army.
Rezaul alleged there has been no visible progress in repatriation and claimed border security in Ukhia and Teknaf remains weak.
Speakers at the press conference also alleged that UNHCR and several UN agencies are excluding local NGOs from partnerships and instead working with international organisations.
CCNF Member Secretary Zahangir Alam alleged that UNHCR, through BRAC and Infinix, has started constructing permanent shelters in Rohingya camps without consulting local government representatives, creating concern among local residents.
He claimed such infrastructure could encourage further Rohingya influx and raised environmental concerns over the construction materials used.
CCNF member Md Helal Uddin said UNOCHA recently allocated USD 150 million in humanitarian assistance for Rohingya in Cox’s Bazar, but local NGOs are not receiving funds in line with localization commitments.
He demanded legislation requiring UN agencies to implement projects through local NGO partnerships and called for broader local NGO participation in the Joint Response Plan (JRP).
Md Shahinur Islam of COAST Foundation said only 22 percent of recipients of a BRAC-managed pooled fund are local NGOs, while 78 percent are national NGOs.
He also raised concern over the appointment of foreign nationals in senior positions of INGOs and UN agencies in Cox’s Bazar, claiming it may affect repatriation efforts.
Environmental activist Md Ilias Mia said around 8,000 acres of forest land were destroyed for Rohingya camps, causing environmental damage and depletion of groundwater levels.
Tanjir Uddin Roni of COAST Foundation called for representation of local government and communities in Rohingya crisis management structures and demanded a transparent repatriation commission.
Engineer Helal Uddin, a UP member from Rajapalong Ward 9, alleged that camp waste has damaged around 300 acres of farmland and worsened groundwater depletion in the area.