Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin said this on Wednesday while instructing the Forest Department officials to plant as many trees as required to bring the forests back in Rohingya settlements and other areas of Cox’s Bazar.

The minister was speaking at an online meeting to review the progress of the annual development programme (ADP) of the ministry for the fiscal year 2020-21.

Also read: Don’t worry about Rohingya relocation to Bhasan Char: Dhaka to UNHCR

Mohammad Abdul Awal Sarker, director of “Cox’s Bazar Greenbelt Establishment, Environmental Restoration and Eco-Tourism Development” project said, “We are keeping close tabs on the Rohingya relocation.”

“Only a few Rohingyas are now going to the Bashan Char voluntarily. We do not have enough space now to regrow the forest.”

Also read: Relocation of Rohingyas to Bhashan Char not forceful: Dhaka

“The plantation will start when more Rohingyas are relocated. And trees will be planted on 1,500 hectares of land,” Awal said.

Meanwhile, the numerous challenges associated with the temporary hosting of persecuted Rohingyas from Myanmar has compelled the government of Bangladesh to plan the relocation of 100,000 Rohingyas to Bhashan Char. 

Also read: US asks Myanmar to create conditions for Rohingya repatriation

And 1,642 Rohingyas were relocated to Bhashan Char on December 4. The second batch, comprising 1,804 Rohingyas, was transferred from Cox’s Bazar to Bhashan Char on December 29.

Also read: 2nd batch of Rohingyas on their way to Bhashan Char

Initially, the authority arranged for the relocation of a lesser number of Rohingyas. However, due to increased interest and enthusiasm, eventually, more Rohingyas volunteered and participated in the relocation process willingly.  

Also read: Rohingya relocation: Long-awaited process likely to begin next week