Sagar Biswas :
Indisciplined distribution is the main reason for not getting adequate relief by the Rohingya refugees though Bangladesh government, several foreign countries, international and local organizations have already donated a huge quantity of relief materials.
The influx of refugees continues. Every day several hundred of Rohgingyas are coming here and taking shelter on two sides of the roads for not getting room in the camps. These refugees have to depend on the food supply given by the local individuals or organizations. Allegations have also been raised that a section of local people and old Rohingya refugees were taking relief materials at Ukhia and Teknaf areas, for which new refugees were deprived of relief items. Especially, the condition of elderly people, women and children is very miserable as they are unable to take relief in such a way.
Deputy Commissioner of Cox’s Bazar Ali Hossain on Wednesday claimed that everything would be under control within a few days. “Already we’ve taken drastic action to bring discipline in relief distribution. We’re not allowing anyone to distribute relief haphazardly. I think it will take 2/3 days more to get a result,” he said.
But in reality, the relief distribution by private organizations and individuals are going on in their own way. They do not bother to the district administration’s directives. They even are not showing any interest to give their relief items to the district administration’s relief fund.
Officials said five foreign countries; including Malaysia, Morocco, Indonesia, Iran and India have sent relief items for the Rohingya refugees. Of the items, there were dry food, clothes, blankets, tents, medicines and others.
Captain Rakibul Hasan, 21- Air Defence Artillery Regiment of Bangladesh Army, told The New Nation on Wednesday, “We’ve so far received 138.925 metric tonnes of relief goods at the airport that came from four foreign countries-Malaysia, Morocco, Indonesia, Iran. The relief materials have already been given to the Cox’s Bazar district administration for distribution.
However, the relief goods from India were directly received by the civil administration.”
“The army has yet not started distribution of relief among the Rohingya refugees. We’ve not got any order from the superior authorities for distribution of relief ….Besides, I’ve no idea when troops would be deployed in the bordering areas,” Captain Rakib said.
