TIB says local population at risk for presence of Rohingyas

Expressing its concern over the long-term impact of Rohingya presence, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Thursday said the local population is facing various risks due to delay in Rohingya repatriation process.

TIB executive director Iftekharuzzaman said, "It's evident from data that economic, social and environmental risks (for the local population) have increased."

The findings were unveiled at a press conference on TIB research titled “Forced Displaced Myanmar (Rohingya) Citizens Position in Bangladesh: Challenges and Ascension to Good Governance” was held at Midas Center in the city's Dhanmondi, reports news agency UNB.

According to the study, 63.2 per cent of the population in Cox's Bazar are Rohingyas while 34.8 per cent are local Bangladeshi residents, which is a key factor behind increased social risks.

The research result also noted that the local workforce is getting less scope of employment because the Rohingyas are working at a cheaper rate.

Local government hospitals need to spend more than 25 per cent of the total resources on Rohingya population which is disrupting the medical care of the local population.

TIB research report also indicates that drug trafficking, women trafficking and prostitution are on the rise with increasing risk of social degradation in Cox's Bazar.