Buoyed by the success of first relocation over three weeks ago, the government is all set to transfer more than 1,000 Rohingyas from the camps in Cox's Bazar to Bhashan Char on Tuesday.
These persecuted people will join more than 1,645 of their fellow citizens, who were relocated to the island in the Bay of Bengal on December 4.
Actually, 1,642 Rohingyas arrived in Bhashan Char on that day. Since then, three babies were born to take the number to 1,645.
All the preparations have been completed to conduct the relocation under the supervision of the Bangladesh Navy, said officials.
The Rohingyas, who have volunteered to be relocated to Bhashan Char developed by the Bangladesh Navy at a cost of Tk3,100 crore, are being brought to Chittagong on Monday night, they said.
On Tuesday morning, the ships carrying Rohingyas will set sail for Bhashan Char under Noakhali district, they added.
Escort vessels with armed personnel will ensure the safety and security of the Rohingyas and the ships carrying them, said the officials.
"We are expecting more than 1,000 people tomorrow [Tuesday]. We are ready to welcome them," Commodore AA Mamun Chowdhury, the director of the Bhashan Char Project, told Dhaka Tribune from the island.
"Our preparations to make their stay comfortable have been completed," he said.
About the number of people expected to arrive on Tuesday, Commodore Chowdhury said: "I cannot give you the exact number. But, it is likely to be more than a thousand."
In this regard, he said that the response from the Rohingyas with respect to the voluntary relocation is more than expected.
"We have thought that 700 people will come. But, now the number has risen as more Rohingyas have volunteered to come," he added.
To a question, the project director said: "All the Rohingyas relocated earlier are doing well."
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