Dhaka: Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali on Saturday said the UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, will be involved in the process of repatriating the forcibly displaced Rohingyas to their homeland.

‘The signing of the arrangement is an initial step....there are more steps. UNHCR will be involved in the repatriation process of Rohingyas,’ he said.

The Minister came up with the remarks while briefing reporters on his recent Myanmar visit at UNCLOS Conference Room at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reports the UNB.

He also hoped that repatriation of the Rohingyas will start within two months.

‘Their houses have been torched....where will they stay after going there...I have talked to China and Myanmar over their rehabilitation there and they agreed to extend their cooperation,’ said the Foreign Minister.

Bangladesh and Myanmar signed ‘Arrangement’ on Return of displaced Myanmar persons sheltered in Bangladesh on 23 November 2017 in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. Foreign Minister A H Mahmood Ali MP signed the bilateral instrument andU Kyaw Tint Swe, Union Minister signed the instrument on behalf of the respective governments at the State Counsellor’s Office on 23November at 2 PM.

The bilateral instrument was being negotiated by officials of the two countries for the last couple of months. On the morning of 22 November 2017 in Nay Pyi Taw, the Senior Officials of both countries negotiated the draft at their level. Later in afternoon, Foreign Minister Mahmood Ali and the Union Minister U Kyaw Tint Swe resolved the remaining issues and finalized the draft after discussion.

The ‘Arrangement’ stipulates that the return shall commence within two months. A Joint Working Group will be established within three weeks of signing the ‘Arrangement’. A specific bilateral instrument (physical arrangement) for repatriation will be concluded in a speedy manner.