Restore mobile data in Rohingya camps

Twenty five rights activists, researchers and development professionals have urged the government to resume 4G mobile internet inside the Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar to ensure flow of information that could help prevent coronavirus transmission.

The refugees are at high risk of contracting Covid-19 as they live in congested camps, they said, acknowledging that Bangladesh demonstrated humanity by giving shelter to some 1.1 million of them.

The average population density in Bangladesh is 1,116 per square kilometre, but it is 70,000 in the Rohigya camps in Ukhia and Teknaf upazilas, they said in a statement yesterday.

"Though there is a compulsion of maintaining social distance, it is not enforceable properly in the Rohingya camps. Therefore, if somehow there is a Covid-19 outbreak, it will fast spread across the camps as well as the local communities," said the statement.

Despite efforts from government, national and international agencies, there is shortage of water, sanitation and hygiene arrangements in the camps, it added.

It is imperative to cooperate with the aid agencies so they can reach out to the camps both physically and virtually to create awareness on Covid-19, it said.

The service providers are facing challenges in creating awareness and sharing information because mobile data has been suspended there since September last year, they said.

Some locals have symptoms of Covid-19, but they are not being able to communicate with the officials concerned. Also, it is urgent for the health personnel to learn the information from the Rohingya camps.

"We, therefore, request the Bangladesh government to restore mobile internet service immediately and help prevent the Covid-19 among the Rohingya as well as the local communities."

The rights activists and researchers also expressed concern over the fact that Malaysia and Thailand recently refused to shelter the boats carrying some 500 Rohingyas.

They lauded Bangladesh for rescuing nearly 400 Rohingyas last week after they were refused entry by Malaysian authorities when their boat was in the Malaysian water.

Signatories to the statement include Meghna Guhathakurta, Prof Parveen Hasan, Zafrulla Chowdhury, Manzoor Hasan, Farah Kabir, Shaheen Anam, Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Maheen Sultan, Rehnuma Ahmed, Swapan Adnan, Noor Khan Liton, Farida Akter and Shireen Huq.