Bangladesh Govt to Install Barbed Wire Fencing in Rohingya Camps

New Delhi, November 25, 2019:

Bangladesh authorities have started erecting barbed wire fencing near Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar district, said reports. The process of erecting a barbed wire fence has already been criticized by human rights groups.

The initiative is being taken up aiming to prevent Rohingyas from spreading across the country.

Reportedly, Bangladesh Army Chief General Aziz Ahmed mentioned that the preparation is on in full swing, and some pillars have already been erected in one camp.

ALSO READ: Manipur: Former CM Ibobi Singh Demands PM Modi to Withdraw Citizenship Bill

According to the Army chief, the demand for buying wire for erecting the fence had been placed. However, the process will take some time to complete.

The Government has already sanctioned the construction of a 287 km road along the Myanmar and Indian border, revealed Ahmed. The process of construction is at the planning stage, and soon a contractor will be appointed.

Meanwhile, the New York-based rights group Human Rights Watch has criticized the Bangladesh government’s move and said that this violates refugees’ rights to freedom of movement. It said, “The proposed measures do not meet the standards of necessity and proportionality for restricting free movement under international human rights law.”

On the other hand, in November, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged the global community to resolve the issue of 1.1 million Rohingya citizens of Myanmar and said that the Rohingyas are a “threat to the security” of the entire region.

ALSO READ: Assam: Prominent Journalist Attacked in Guwahati, Media Fraternity Seeks Justice

Earlier on September 26, Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan announced the installation of barbed wire fences around the camps under the directive of the Prime Minister to maintain law and order in the camps, and ensure safety and security.

Around 7,45,000 Rohingya refugees have been living in Bangladesh refugee camps since August 2017, following a wave of persecution and violence in Myanmar.

Support Inside Northeast (InsideNE), an independent media platform that focuses on Citizen-centric stories from Northeast India that are surprising, inspiring, cinematic and emotionally relevant.