Duchess of Edinburgh Sophie Helen Rhys-Jones, a member of the British royal family, has arrived in Cox’s Bazar on a two-day visit to inspect Rohingya refugee camps.
Sophie, wife of King Charles III’s younger brother Prince Edward, will visit refugee camps in Ukhiya on Tuesday morning to observe various activities conducted for the protection, education, and humanitarian assistance of Rohingya women, children, and persons with disabilities.
The duchess arrived in Cox’s Bazar by air from Dhaka on Monday evening and stayed overnight in the beach town. Following a day-long visit to the Rohingya camps on Tuesday, she is scheduled to fly back to Dhaka in the afternoon.
Focus on refugee welfare
According to her itinerary, she will visit learning centres for Rohingya children, activities of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), protection centres for women and children, a soap-making factory operated by IOM and PULSE, a multipurpose service centre for women, and support activities for women and children with disabilities.
Through these initiatives, she will gain insights into humanitarian activities conducted for education, health, protection, and life quality improvement.
In Cox’s Bazar, she will also enquire about initiatives regarding rehabilitation, inclusion, and the development of capabilities and leadership among the refugee population alongside protection and support activities for displaced Rohingya women, girls, and families.
Three-tier security
A three-tier security system has been beefed up in the Rohingya refugee camps and adjacent areas for the royal visit, with law enforcement personnel placed on high alert along her route and at inspection sites.
Mohammad Siraj Amin, 14 Armed Police Battalion commanding officer and additional DIG, said necessary preparations had been taken to ensure overall security for the royal family member’s visit, adding that security would be strengthened along the route and at inspection sites in coordination with other law enforcement agencies.
Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, refugee relief and repatriation commissioner, said various domestic and international organisations are working for the protection, education, and humanitarian assistance of women, children, and persons with disabilities in the Rohingya camps.
He said the duchess will inspect these activities on the ground, especially initiatives for the protection and quality of life improvement of women and children.
Engagements in Dhaka
According to the British High Commission, Sophie is on a three-day visit to Bangladesh from 9 to 11 November, focusing on women’s empowerment, the UK-Bangladesh partnership, and support for Rohingya refugees.
Visiting at the request of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, this is her second visit to Bangladesh following a previous trip in 2017.
In Dhaka, she will meet Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, president, and Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of the prime minister, to discuss the welfare, protection, and empowerment of women and girls.
Additionally, she will visit the Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation Training (BIPSOT) to highlight Bangladesh’s role in United Nations peacekeeping missions and the importance of women’s participation in peace and security.
Her itinerary also includes exchanging views with young athletes, including female hockey players, at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP), and celebrating the 75th anniversary of the British Council in Bangladesh, where she will interact with youth on education, cultural exchange, and women’s empowerment.
