World is grateful
World Bank President Jim Yong Kim yesterday praised the people of Bangladesh for providing shelter to the Rohingya refugees.
"We want to say to the people of Bangladesh that the world is very grateful for the humane reception. We also know that there is more work to do," he told reporters after a meeting with Finance Minister AMA Muhith at the latter's office in the secretariat.
The WB president and United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres arrived in Dhaka separately on Saturday night. They are scheduled to visit the makeshift Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar today.
"We are here, both me and the UN Secretary General, to express our gratitude to the government of Bangladesh for receiving so many refugees that has been peaceful and humane," Kim said.
"We are all extremely concerned about the situation of the Rohingyas."
The WB chief said they are insisting that humane and generous countries that support refugees should not be punished for that.
"That's why on the insistence of the finance minister, we are happy to ensure that the resources coming in are grants. This situation is a humanitarian tragedy, and we need to move on this."
He said the WB has a great faith in the direction of the government and the country.
The WB lent a record amount this year to Bangladesh -- $3 billion and this is the second largest in the world, according to Kim.
The WB has recently announced a $480 million fund for the support of the Rohingyas.
Muhith said it is a critical hour for the nation. "It is critical simply because we have a large burden to share."
He said Bangladesh certainly wants Rohingyas to go back to their country from Bangladesh with dignity and safety. "That is what we want."
Later at a press conference in his office, Muhith said of the $480 million WB fund, $50 million will be available in a couple of days, while the rest within next two years.
The government has also allocated Tk 400 crore for the Rohingyas in the budget for the new fiscal year.
After getting the WB money, the government will be able to use the budgetary allocation elsewhere, said Muhith.
The WB fund is completely grant, part of which will be used in education, health, sanitation and in other development works.
Muhith said the WB may also give another $500 million but the form of the funding has not been decided yet.
Replying to a query, Muhith said the WB has suspended regular loans to Myanmar except some humanitarian assistance.
He expressed gratitude to both the UN Secretary General and the WB chief for visiting Bangladesh.
"It has proved that the world community stands by Bangladesh."
He said it is a huge burden for a small but densely-populated country like Bangladesh to provide shelter to the Rohingyas.
Muhith said the high profile visit will put an additional pressure on Myanmar to take back its citizens.
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