Dated:
A New Method set up for forced repatriation of Refugee in Bangladesh Camp
Cox’s Bazar, Jan-06:
Recently, the
Mr. Mohammad Yasin, the Camp-in-Charge of the Kutupalong camp, ordered his clerks and other refugee collaborators (Majees) to count the family members and to demand Taka 200/- in absence of a person during the queue of ration receiving from ration distribution center. The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) distributes rations to the refugees, which are provided by the World Food Program (WFP), he further added.
If any refugee fails to pay said bribe, he/she would be signed or thumb
impressions on affidavits for voluntary repatriation. Otherwise, half of the
rations would be cut off from the family members, said another refugee
preferring not to mention him.
A total of 7 majees from 7 shed-blocks in Kutupalong refugee camp are carrying out all the
instructions and methods of the camp officials to implement the forced
repatriation program, he more added.
When asked the UNHCR administration officer Mr. Kader about the distribution of rations and taking bribes from the refugees while distributing rations, he tried to ignore the matter and referred it to the Camp-in-Charge.
Some refugees said, “Rations, which are presently distributing, are not
accurate in their records. For instance, though they record 7 kg of rice in
their lists, in fact, they provide 5 kg per head for two weeks. The same
practice has been applied for other items such as oil, salt, sugar, pulses,
blended food and etc.”
Refugees from Kutupalong are facing inhumanity since early December 2003 under
the new method of forced repatriation. # #
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