11-member nat’l committee formed PM to lead

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 Rohingya refugees and strengthen coordination among ministries, security agencies and intelligence organisations involved in the process.

The Cabinet Division issued a notification on Sunday announcing the formation of the National Committee for Formulating a National Strategy on the Rohingya Issue.

The committee, according to the notification, will identify priorities relating to Rohingya repatriation, oversee inter agency coordination and ensure a unified national approach to the long standing refugee crisis.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will chair the committee. Its members include the Home Affairs Minister, the Foreign Affairs Minister, the Adviser to the Ministry of Finance and Planning, and the Adviser to the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Division.

The Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division has been appointed as the committee;s Chief Coordinator, while the Director General of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence will serve as Member Secretary.

Other members are the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of National Security Intelligence, the Director General of Border Guard Bangladesh and the Director General of the Bangladesh Coast Guard.

The Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner, along with five senior officials including the Additional Inspector General of Police of the Special Branch, will assist the committee in carrying out its responsibilities.

Under its terms of reference, the committee will determine priorities for Rohingya repatriation, strengthen coordination among relevant agencies and define the responsibilities and operational jurisdiction of law enforcement and intelligence organisations dealing with Rohingya related matters.

The notification said a special taskforce would be established under the direct supervision of the Chief Coordinator to prepare a comprehensive national strategy aimed at ensuring the speedy and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas.

The taskforce has been directed to submit its strategy to the national committee within three months, or 90 days.

The Directorate General of Forces Intelligence will provide the committee with the required manpower, infrastructure and secretarial support.

The notification said the committee may transfer these responsibilities to another intelligence or law enforcement agency, if necessary, in line with its decisions and the directives of the Prime Minister.

It also said the committee may co opt the heads of military or civilian law enforcement agencies, or any other suitable individual, as members for a specified period whenever required.