Sofian Khan
After mounting expectations, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between Bangladesh and Myanmar on Thursday. According to a statement from the Bangladesh foreign ministry, the repatriation of the Rohingyas will start from January. The details of the deal is still undergoing discussions. Myanmar mentioned that the joint statement signed in 1992 will be followed on the repatriation. Although Bangladesh, since 1992 has been opposing to “1992 formula”, Foreign Minister Mahmood Ali in a diplomatic briefing said that the current situation and 1992’s are entirely different. Therefore, the 1992 formula contains guiding principles to systematically verify and receive the displaced persons from Rakhine State. New questions have been raised by Aid agencies regarding the forceful return of this ill-fated, stateless minority group. They want to know if safety can be guaranteed upon their return. As according to the MOU, the return shall commence within two months and A senior Myanmar official Myint Kyaing reported that they’re ready to receive the Rohingyas as soon as Bangladesh sends them. Now, within three weeks, a joint working group has to be formed. Pope Francis on the other hand is looking forward to visit the Rohingya Refugee Camp at Cox’s Bazar on November 30 till December 2. Later on November 27 he will meet the head of Myanmar’s army regarding the Rohingya Issue.