5 December 2020.

Introduction:

• Recently, Bangladesh has transported more than 1,600 Rohingya refugees to a low-lying Bhashan Char island in the first phase of a controversial planned relocation of 1,00,000 people.

Highlights:

• Bhasan Char, also known as Char Piya, is an island in Hatiya Upazila, Bangladesh.
•  It is located in the Bay of Bengal, about 6 kilometres from Sandwip island and 37 miles from the mainland.
• The island was formed by Himalayan silt in 2006. It spans 40 square kilometres.

•  It is flood-prone island and vulnerable to frequent cyclones.
• It is too small to occupy and nurture the Rohingya population.
• There is chronic overcrowding in camps.
• The Government of Bangladesh is building a flood defence system in the island. Two long dams are being constructed under the protection system. The outer one being 12 feet high and the inner being 33 feet high.
• UN and the human rights agencies are in opposition to this move.