The government on Tuesday gave its preliminary approval to building sustainable infrastructure for the Rohingya refugee community to ensure they can enjoy “decent living conditions” during their “temporary stay” in Cox’s Bazar.

The Advisory Council Committee on Economic Affairs approved in-principle the decision in this regard during a meeting at the Secretariat chaired by Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed.

Under the initial plan, the government and World Bank would jointly provide Tk363 crore for enhancing resiliency against natural disasters in Cox’s Bazar district, and improving the living conditions of the host community and Rohingyas.

The UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM) would also be involved in the project.

Addressing a post-meeting briefing, Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed told reporters that the government has not changed the status of Rohingyas as refugees. They would continue to be regarded as “Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMN)” during their stay in Bangladesh, and will be repatriated to their home country in due time, the adviser noted.

However, no one would wish to see the Rohingyas living in “inhumane conditions” in Bangladesh, Salehuddin said, adding that for this reason, the government has decided to provide them with “decent living conditions.” He could not provide specifics about the plan for the time being.