Cox’s Bazar needs special attention amid virus outbreak

As Cox’s Bazar is hosting 1.1 million Rohingya refugees, the district deserves special attention from both government and international agencies amid coronavirus outbreak, said journalist from both Cox’s Bazar and Dhaka.

They came up with the view at an online press conference organised by Cox’s Bazar CSO NGO Forum (CCNF), an alliance of 60 local and national civil society and NGOs, on Monday.  

They also proposed massive mobilisation of social capital in the district, according to a press release. 

The journalists also urged the government to resume mobile and internet facilities, with 4G services, in the refugee camps including those in Ukhiya and Teknaf, at least for the time being, so that the Rohingyas can communicate with health officials and utilise the facilities.

These will also help local journalist to pass the news.

The virtual press conference was moderated by three Co-Chairs of CCNF, Abu Morshed Chowdhury of PHALS, Bimol Dey Sarker of Mukti and Rezaul Karim Chowdhury of COAST. 

Nayeem Gowhar Warha of Disaster Forum, Abdul Latif Khan of NAHAB, Jahsim Uddin of ADAB and Rafqul Islam on FNB participated as expert and guest speakers.

During the meeting, the speakers also made a number of proposals including:

• International agencies to consider the whole district as a host community area.
• The need of raising awareness in all camp on social distancing and participation of local NGOs in this regard.
• All temporary and daily visitors to be temperature checked before entering camps.
• Special measures be taken to support the daily labourers.