DHAKA, 31 July 2021, (TON): Bangladesh does not want any measures that promote integration of the Rohingyas into the local society.

This message was conveyed to the World Bank by the government after the former sought opinions on preparing a global Refugee Policy Review Framework.

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen told media "in a meeting with the World Bank and UN officials, we clearly stated that Rohingya repatriation is our only goal. We cannot allow freedom of movement or other privileges, including education and job, like those enjoyed by the Bangladeshis."

He said that the World Bank has sent a letter attaching a document that spoke of Rohingys' freedom of movement, birth certificate, privileges of education and job, and infrastructure.

"This document is not Bangladesh-specific, but we said we won't agree with these suggestions. We agreed to provide education to Rohingyas under Myanmar curriculum and language so that it becomes useful when they return to Myanmar. The World Bank and the UN have agreed."

Momen said “Bangladesh is not a signatory to the UN Convention on Refugees and it defines Rohingyas as forcibly displaced Myanmar citizens, not refugees. Myanmar has committed crimes against the Rohingyas and Bangladesh being a victim of the situation extend help.”

Some one million Rohingyas currently live in Bangladesh. Most of them had fled a military crackdown in Myanmar's Rakhine state in 2017. Repatriation has not been possible over the years as Rohingyas denied returning, saying conditions in Rakhine were not safe and they had no guarantee of citizenship in Myanmar.