Call for redoubling effort for repatriation of Rohingya refugees

Cox's Bazar CSO NGO Forum (CCNF), a network of 50 local NGOs working in Cox's Bazar on Tuesday organised a virtual seminar on the eve of the World Humanitarian Day, titled "Respect to the front line workers of COVID 19, Solidarity and Diversity."

Speakers at the seminar said the UN agencies, international NGOs and the government should redouble their effort on political mobilization for dignified return of Rohingya refugees.

The international agencies also should make effort in their own capitals, they said.

The speakers also said Bangladesh has already been suffering of multifaceted problems including climate catastrophes, COVID-19 and floods, especially in the Cox's Bazar district.

Rashedul Islam, Director General, NGO Affairs Bureau, Prime Minister Office, who attended the as chief guest, said that dignified return of Myanmar nationals from Bangladesh is the best response to the humanitarianism.

He also appreciated the effort of local NGOs and sacrifice of front line workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The virtual seminar was chaired by Ashraful Afsar, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Cox's Bazar. It was also attended by Ajmat Ullah, Country Representative, IFRC as guest of honor, while Shamsuddoha, Additional RRRC, Kefayet from UNHCR, Dr. Samir Halder from IoM and Saikat from ISCG (Inter Sectoral Coordination Group) participated the seminar as guests.

The seminar was moderated by Abu Morshed Chowdhury and Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, co-chairs, CCNF.

Eight local front line workers, namely Afroza Sumi, Shafiul Sweet, Sanjida Akhi, Aloka, Zahangir Alam, and Huree Jannat narrated their personal experiences on COVID-19.

It is reported that around 129 NGOs, 16,000 workers are there in Cox's Bazar Rohingya response where around 1,000 front line workers were infected by COVID-19. The audience at the seminar showed great respect to them including Rohingya and host community volunteers, along with doctors and nurses who still work to save lives.

Local NGO leaders Sheuly Sharma of Jago Nari urged more funding has become a priority to local NGOs as they are the first responders.