Mrs Anne Main
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment she has made of the merits of the proposed transfer of Rohingya refugees to Bhasan Char Island.
Alistair Burt
We are aware of the Government of Bangladesh’s plans to relocate some Rohingya refugees to Bashan Char Island. The UK Government has had no involvement in developing plans for the proposed relocation of refugees to the island. My officials and I have made clear to the Government of Bangladesh that any relocation of refugees must be safe, dignified, informed and voluntary, in accordance with international humanitarian principles, standards and laws. We continue to work with the Government of Bangladesh and our humanitarian partners to further understand this proposal and its suitability. We have not received a request from the Government of Bangladesh to contribute to the relocation of refugees to Bhasan Char Island, or details of plans regarding the provision of food, water or other resources to people who may be accommodated on the Island.