EU teams due 11 Feb to discuss Rohingya issues

Rohingya refugee carries an elderly man at the Palongkhali refugee camp near Cox`s Bazar. Reuters file photo
Rohingya refugee carries an elderly man at the Palongkhali refugee camp near Cox`s Bazar. Reuters file photo

Five teams of Members of European Parliament (MEPs) comprising 14 MEPs are scheduled to visit Bangladesh from 11 February to discuss trade and rights issues with special focus on Rohingya crisis, reports UNB.

They will visit Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar on 12 February, an official at the foreign ministry told UNB.

The official, however, did not elaborate about the EU teams which will be visiting Bangladesh.

European Union is likely to come up with more pressure on Myanmar this month so that it acts promptly and creates an environment for the sustainable return of Rohingyas to their homeland from Bangladesh.

"I'm sure there'll be new [EU] council conclusions on Myanmar in February. I hope there'll be more pressure. The only thing is to put more pressure on Myanmar," EU head of delegation ambassador Rensje Teerink told UNB recently.

In October last year, the Council of the EU in its conclusions said it may consider additional measures if the situation does not improve but also stands ready to respond accordingly to positive developments.

However, it is yet to know what the conclusions will contain -- whether it will be arms embargo or targeted sanctions on Myanmar government and army.

On 16 January, Bangladesh and Myanmar signed a document on 'Physical Arrangement' which will facilitate the return of Rohingyas to their homeland from Bangladesh.

The 'Physical Arrangement' stipulates that the repatriation will be completed preferably within two years from the start of repatriation.