Ukhiya, Nov 12 (V7N) — The Bangladesh government has formally initiated the distribution of valid SIM cards to Rohingya refugees residing in Ukhiya and Teknaf. In the first phase, 10,000 registered refugees will receive authorized SIM cards. The initiative was inaugurated on Monday by Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) Mizanur Rahman. During the launch, SIM cards were handed over to the elected president and executive committee members of the United Council of Rohang (UCR).

Commissioner Mizanur Rahman stated that all illegal SIM cards used by Rohingyas would be blocked, allowing only legal SIM usage. He added that the move would strengthen law and order and prevent crimes committed through unauthorized SIM cards.

Rohingyas had been using SIM cards from various Bangladeshi and Myanmar operators illegally for a long time, raising security concerns. To address this, the government decided in August this year to provide a legal channel for SIM usage among Rohingyas. Following several discussions with the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and four mobile operators, the plan was implemented.

According to standard SIM distribution procedures, a national ID and biometric verification are required. As Rohingyas do not possess national identity cards, the initiative uses the registration number or ‘Progress ID’ issued by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) as an alternative. Rohingyas aged 18 or older can obtain SIM cards through this ID, with mobile operators assigning specific number series for them.

The UNHCR’s Rohingya database will be maintained at the Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) data center and subsequently transferred to the RRRC office. This pilot program aims to issue 10,000 SIM cards initially, with plans for further expansion in the future.

END/SIC/SMA/