The government has formed an 11-member national committee, headed by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, to formulate a comprehensive strategy for the speedy and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas and coordinate activities among relevant ministries and agencies. The Cabinet Division issued a notification on Sunday announcing the formation of the ‘National Committee for Formulating a National Strategy on the Rohingya Issue’.
Committee Composition and Responsibilities
The committee will be chaired by the Prime Minister, with Home Affairs Minister, Foreign Affairs Minister, the Adviser to the Ministry of Finance and Planning, and the Adviser to the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Division serving as members. The Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division (AFD) has been designated as the committee's Chief Coordinator, while the Director General of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) will serve as Member Secretary. Other members include the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Director General of National Security Intelligence (NSI), the Director General of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Director General of the Bangladesh Coast Guard.
Supporting Agencies and Taskforce
The Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) and five senior officials, including the Additional Inspector General of Police (Special Branch), have been assigned to assist the committee. A special taskforce will be established under the direct supervision of the Chief Coordinator to formulate a comprehensive national strategy for the speedy and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas. The taskforce will prepare the strategy and submit it to the national committee within three months, or 90 days.
Coordination and Support
According to the notification, the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) will provide the committee with the necessary manpower, infrastructure and secretarial support. The committee may assign these responsibilities to another intelligence or law enforcement agency if required. Additionally, the committee may co-opt the heads of any military or civilian law enforcement agency, or any other suitable individual, as members for a specified period if necessary.
Significance and Next Steps
The formation of this high-level committee underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the Rohingya crisis through a coordinated and strategic approach. The committee’s work will be crucial in determining priorities, strengthening inter-agency coordination, and defining the responsibilities and operational jurisdiction of the involved agencies. The successful repatriation of Rohingya refugees is a complex and sensitive issue, requiring careful planning and execution. The establishment of this committee is a significant step towards achieving a sustainable solution.
