Ready to accept those fled to Bangladesh from Rakhine State: Junta

The resettlement for those, who left Rakhine State, is in the process, and the development activities in the Rakhine region remain successful, said Myanmar military council minister lieutenant general Tun Tun Naung.

Addressing the Rakhine State stability & development coordination meeting held at joint hall of the border affairs ministry on 14 September, the security & border affairs minister informed that the authorities have reached a position where the resettlement of those displaced from Rakhine State can be done at any time.

According to the pilot project involving both Myanmar and Bangladesh governments, more than 7,000 Muslim refugees will be accepted by this year.

The minister urged the working committees to extend support for the development of Rakhine State under the planned actions.

Many refugees and political analysts observe that the junta authorities are working on the displaced Muslim families to earn a good reputation in front of the international community and they may use it for political gains.

U U Pe Than, a veteran Rakhine politician, recently argued that the refugee repatriation program should engage various organizations that represent Rakhine.

"If the ULA/AA, on whom the Rakhine State relies on, can be involved with the process and it will be supported by the Rakhine people. The Rakhine organisations should not be ignored when the Burmese political parties, Burmese organizations, Burmese army personnel including the NUG  may take political advantages in the process. It will be a bad example for all of us,” he added.

On 2 September, the heads of Yangon-based embassies and diplomats, led by minister U Ko Ko Hlaing, visited the Kyin Chaung  and Hla Po Khaung reception centers which have been prepared to receive Muslim refugees.

Similarly on 5 May, a delegation of seven Bangladeshi government officials and 20 Muslim refugees visited Taung Phyo Letway, Khura and Hla Po Khaung re-acceptance camps in Maungdaw township.

The Muslim refugees coming from Bangladesh must live in the temporary camps and then only they will be shifted to various places where they have to live permanently.

Hundreds of thousands of Muslims fled to Bangladesh due to military crackdown operations after an armed conflict with the ARSA rebels which took place in Rakhine State during 2017.