Safe repatriation of Rohingyas not possible now: Khalilur

Khalilur Rahman, the chief advisor’s top aide, has said the current conditions in Myanmar’s Rakhine State make it impossible to ensure the safe repatriation of Rohingya refugees at this time.

“We have kept all doors open. We are engaging with all parties,” he told journalists in Cox’s Bazar on Friday evening after attending the traditional Maha Sangrain Poweh, a water festival celebrated by the Rakhine community.

Earlier in the day, he visited the Rohingya camp in Ukhiya.

Khalilur said, “We are working with all parties to help bring peace and stability to Arakan so that a conducive environment for repatriation can be created.”

He believes collective efforts by all nations will make the repatriation of the Rohingya easier.

On Apr 4, the Chief Advisor’s Office (CAO) said Myanmar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister U Than Shwe had informed Bangladesh that a partial verification of the list of 800,000 Rohingya refugees had been completed.

As part of the verification process, Myanmar has identified 180,000 Rohingya as eligible for repatriation, with Khalilur calling the move timely.

Than Shwe shared the update with the chief advisor’s higher aide during a meeting on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok.

He also noted that the final verification process for 70,000 Rohingyas is ongoing, involving cross-checking of names and photos.

Myanmar has also promised to expedite the verification of the remaining 550,000 Rohingya on the list.

Referring to his Friday visit to the Rohingya camp, Khalilur said he had informed the refugees about an upcoming United Nations conference where arrangements had been made for their unified and spontaneous participation.

“They will be able to express their future hopes and dreams there,” he said.