Statement of Solidarity- Rohingya Refugee Crisis

We Stand with the Rohingya Refugees

The Refugee Dream Center firmly joins the global outcry against the relocation of Rohingya refugees to the remote, flood-prone island of Bhasan Char by the government of Bangladesh. This is a reprehensible act, risking the lives of up to a million Rohingya refugees, who have been uprooted and mercilessly persecuted by the government of Myanmar. 

According to Ahmed Mukta, the lead architect of the resettlement site, this new home will be a “paradise” for the Rohingya. This could not be further from the truth. Bhasan Char is a previously uninhabited island that emerged from the sea less than 20 years ago. Over 300 refugees have already been relocated to the island against their will and none are allowed to leave. The low-lying island often becomes partially submerged during monsoon season and is highly vulnerable to cyclones.

This relocation has been short-sighted, inhumane and births a series of human rights concerns. Will refugees be denied freedom to move, have access to education, reliable medical care, and a sustainable livelihood? Without an appropriate assessment of this inhabited and flood prone island, this forced relocation is nothing short of an international human rights violation.

We strongly condemn this decision and invite everyone in our community to actively denounce these atrocities.

Hear from our Executive Director:

“I urge the government of Bangladesh to change their decision. These are among the most vulnerable human beings on Earth that need protection rather than being relegated and relocated into areas that are inhabitable even for animals. It is unfortunate that this is happening before our eyes. I urge the Bangladesh government to open communication lines with the United Nations and especially the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. The Bangladesh government should listen to and work with human rights organizations and similar agencies to address this crisis in a more humane way rather than packing human beings and forcing them to relocate to a geographically vulnerable island. Relocating thousands of refugee people to an island that is flood-prone, at a high-risk of sinking, and vulnerable to frequent cyclones without a proper assessment of safety is cruel. The Rohingya have no hope or opportunities and their only chance is the support of the Bangladesh government but instead, this is happening to them. I ask once again, that the Bangladesh government change their decision immediately.”

Dr. Omar Bah,

Executive Director & Co-founder