A group of Rohingya refugees residing in Cox's Bazar's Kutupalong alleged that a Turkish humanitarian organization swindled them out of a significant amount of money owed to them for their construction work.
The refugees claimed that they had been hired by the organization, HAYIR - ELI - INSANI YARDIM DERNEĞI, to dig tube wells in the refugee camps, but, the organization had failed to honour its financial obligations to the workers, said a press release.
The four individuals, namely Mohammad Rohim, Mohammed Edrish, Hamid Hossain, and Mohammed Ayoub, are owed approximately $9,500.
Despite numerous attempts to settle the outstanding debts, the organization has not taken any action to resolve the issue, reads the press release.
Additionally, the person dealing with the refugees, Ramazan Çetin, has stopped all communications with them in mid 2022, leaving them at a loss to explain the behavior.
The refugees have made a formal complaint to the Turkish ambassador in Dhaka, seeking assistance in urging the organization to settle its debts and obligations.
However, the refugees have yet to receive a response from the Turkish ambassador, leaving them feeling disheartened and unheard, reads the press release.
Serajul Hoque Abrar, the representative of the Rohingyas, said: “It is important to note that this issue not only causes financial difficulties for the refugees but has also damaged the reputation of HAYIR - ELI - INSANI YARDIM DERNEĞI and the country it belongs to, Turkey.”
“The lack of action from the organization and the Turkish ambassador has also created mistrust and a sense of betrayal among the refugee community,” he added.
Hamid Hossain, one of the tube well contractors said: “It is crucial that humanitarian organizations, especially those operating in refugee camps, conduct their business with transparency and fairness. The situation in the refugee camps is already challenging, and refugees are vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. We can't afford to lose money like this. We should be treated with dignity and respect and not cheated.”
Ayas Billah, Block B chairman in Kutupalong registered camp, said: “The plight of the Rohingya refugees is a humanitarian crisis that requires the attention and assistance of the international community. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that refugees are protected from exploitation and abuse, and their basic rights are respected. We urge the Turkish Ambassador to take prompt action in addressing the concerns raised by the Rohingya refugees and holding HAYIR - ELI - INSANI YARDIM DERNEĞI accountable for its actions”.
The Rohingya refugees have called upon the Turkish ambassador to take the necessary steps to ensure that HAYIR - ELI - INSANI YARDIM DERNEĞI honours its debts and obligations in a timely manner.