Rohingyas have no desire to be citizens of Bangladesh and their only goal is to go back to Myanmar, the Arakan Rohingya Society for Peace and Human Rights (ARSPHR) said on August 9 in response to recent World Bank report that suggested refugee integration in 14 of the host countries.

In a statement, it said they have been informed about the World Bank proposal for integrating Rohingyas into Bangladesh as part of their global Refugee Policy Review Framework.

“We understand that this proposal includes the suggestion that Rohingya be given citizenship by the government of Bangladesh.”

The Refugee Policy Review Framework, a global refugee document that the World Bank is preparing for assessing the effectiveness of its funding to the refugee-hosting countries, was sent to Bangladesh and 13 other countries for opinions.

It said the framework believes in the principle that different countries can have different policies regarding the refugees and can be negotiated by the UN Refugee Agency with the governments concerned.

The ARSPHR said the World Bank suggestion will only create more problems for the Rohingya that temporarily live in Bangladesh.

“Our goal is to go back to native motherland with dignity, safety and security,” said the statement signed by ARSPHR chairman Mohib Ullah, based in a Rohingya refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar.

It asserted that the World Bank pitch was the same as the proposal from the government of Myanmar, which forcibly pushed them out from Rakhine and committed “genocide” against them.

Ullah said: “We insist that we return home, and contribute to the establishment of a democratic government there.”

The ARSPHR appealed to the World Bank and other international organisation to talk to Myanmar and ensure safe, dignified and secured repatriation and full citizenship rights.

THE DAILY STAR (BANGLADESH)/ASIA NEWS NETWORK