British Rohingyas appeal the Bangladesh government to ease internet lockdown especially amidst concerns around Covid-19
Rohingyas settled in the UK have appealed to the Bangladesh government to temporarily restore internet services in the South Asian country.
Owing to coronavirus pandemic Muslims across the world have been unable to observe Ramadan in the traditional spirit of community gatherings, enjoying family iftars, and visiting the mosque for their daily prayers. Whilst many across the UK have resorted to online iftar sessions with their families through Zoom video calls, the Rohingya community settled in Bradford has not had the same fortune.
“I last spoke with my elder sister, Anowar Shah Begum, three weeks ago. She had no knowledge of coronavirus but she said something was different as they were not allowed to step out. I informed her about the pandemic and while I don’t know if she understood the complexity of the virus, she said they were all doing okay. I pray every day that they are fine,” said Nijam Uddin Mohammed, General Secretary of British Rohingya Community UK.
Nijam’s father-in-law, sisters, and grandmother have been living in the Kutupalong camp near Cox’s Bazaar for several decades now. The camps have previously been prey to outbreaks of measles and other infectious diseases making the 1 million living in the cramped conditions of the camp susceptible and vulnerable to the novel virus. According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), the lockdown measures have cut humanitarian workers distributing relief packages by 80 percent. Such measures have left the refugees in a dire situation and at severe risk of food and water shortages amidst the coronavirus outbreak. An aid official in his report to HRW also reported complaints of overflowing latrines in some areas because there are not enough staff members to address these issues, resulting in old and disabled queuing up for hours.
Bangladesh's government decided to block access to the internet since August last year and this has heightened anxiety levels among refugees living a sheltered life in the UK about the security and wellness of their relatives left behind in the camps. Normal 2G networks have also been disrupted owing to coronavirus lockdown. Neighbours and friends are unable to check in on each other with restrictions to social mobility meaning that these refugees are completely in the unknown about the health conditions of their loved ones.
“We have written an open letter to the prime minister of Bangladesh requesting for the internet to be restored so that accurate information about Covid-19 is dispatched to them. And so that we are able to check in on our relatives about their health and safety. But no action has been taken so far,” said Nijam.
Confined at his home in Bradford, Nijam spends most of his day gardening, cooking, and cleaning at his home to keep himself busy and ward off anxiety. Along with his wife, he has been praying five times a day, following the timings specified in the Islamic calendar at his home. Fasting for 30 years, this Ramadan is perhaps the most difficult for him with the inability to go to his local mosque ever since the UK announced a complete lockdown.
“We care more about the NHS frontline staff working overtime and risking their lives to save ours. My message to every fellow Muslim is that gathering is not compulsory in our religion. These are difficult days but we will surpass them with our strength in our faith,” he concluded.
