Speaking at a virtual press conference, CCNF leaders also said Rohingya response management must have the participation of local actors with the government and the UN-led joint single authority for ensuring the optimum use of aid resources.

The press meet was arranged on the eve of the donor conference to be held on 22nd October organised by the UK, the USA, the UN and Japan.

Co-Chair of CCNF Abu Morshed Chowdhury said they have long been pleading for pooled fund to promote sustainable local CSO/NGOs and direct funding in view of the Grand Bargain commitment. “It’s also been accepted in localisation task report drafted under the leadership of UN agencies, but it is being delayed.”

In the backdrop of recent violence in Rohingya camps, he stressed the need for the involvement of local government and local CSOs for peacebuilding in such camps in Cox’s Bazar.

IDF’s executive director Johirul Alam said like Rohingya issue Bangladesh is fully innocent regarding the climate change problems, but the country is the worst sufferer.

He said the donors must give a proportionate approach to the country and redouble their effort for ensuring the repatriation of the Rohingyas as it is the only sustainable solution to the crisis.

Bimal Dey Sarker, Chief Executive Officer of Mukti, Cox’s Bazar, said around $ 2.63 billion aid has so far come for Rohingya which is around $ 432 per family per month. “But a study shows that only one-third direct benefit has gone in the field. “

He said though the UN and INGO have done a lot of good work, there is a confusion among people about their activities due to the lack of aid transparency.

CCNF Member Secretary Jahangir Alam praised the efforts of the UN and the INGOs, especially of UNHCR and IOM, during COVID 19 pandemic to mitigate the sufferings of Rohingya and ensure their health safety.

To optimise the use of aid resources, he said there should have a single line and single pot fund management, led by jointly both government and the UN agencies.

Also read: Redouble efforts to find solution to Rohingya crisis: UNHCR