Watchdog accuses INGOs of living the good life on Rohingya aid money

DhakaTribune
Feburaru 11th 2019

The watchdog spokesperson said he was afraid the bulk of the money was not spent for the Rohingya
A watchdog organization has claimed that the money raised to aid the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh is being spent to maintain the luxurious lifestyle of INGO executives.

On Monday morning, the Cox’s Bazar CSO-NGO Forum (CCNF) addressed journalists at the local press club. Co-Chairman Abu Morshed Chowdhury Khoka presented a written statement, accusing the NGOs and CSOs of appropriating the money for their own benefits and not helping the Rohingya.

He said: “There are 123 local and international NGOs working in the Rohingya camps. These include 21 INGOs and five NGOs based in Cox’s Bazar. Others, based elsewhere in the country, have expanded to Cox’s Bazar. They raise funds claiming to rehabilitate and assist the Rohingya, but spend the money won luxury SUVs, five-star hotel rooms, and other amenities.

CCNF executives address the media at the press club on Monday morning in Cox’s Bazar | Dhaka Tribune“

The Joint Response Plan 2017 required $434.1 million in aid, but only $316.1 million was raised, which is only 35.9% of the total funds raised. So in 2018, the JRP budget was raised to $950.8 million, of which $655 million or 68.9% was raised. Another $72.7 million was raised outside the JRP. The JRP 2019 estimated a budget of $925 million and the possibility of raising $555 million.”

The watchdog spokesperson said he was afraid the bulk of the money was not spent for the Rohingya. He said they have tried to send a message to the government through the Cox’s Bazar administration to no avail.

He demanded the government strictly monitor NGO and INGO activities in Cox’s Bazar.
Abu Morshed also said: “They have to limit their luxurious lifestyles and ensure 70-80% jobs for locals at the Rohingya camps. If not, the Rohingya crisis is going to scar Cox’s Bazar.”

Link : https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/rohingya-crisis/2019/02/11/watchdog-accuses-ingos-of-living-the-good-life-on-rohingya-aid-money