"Urdu-speaking Biharis are the citizens of Bangladesh as per its constitution, nationality-related legislation and the 2003 High Court verdict which was not challenged," UNHCR Bangladesh Representative Pia Prytz Phiri told a workshop here yesterday.

She said, "There is a need to go beyond emotion...we want the government to declare Urdu-speaking Biharis as citizens of the country and include the eligible Biharis in the voter list for ensuring their right to vote."

UNHCR Bangladesh organised the daylong workshop on "Reporting on Refugees" at a city hotel. Senior Regional Public Information Officer Kitty Mckinsey conducted the workshop.

In reply to a query, Phiri said according to a survey carried out by her agency in August 2006, there are 250,000 to 300,000 Biharis in Bangladesh of whom about 152,000 are living in 116 camps across the country.

Replying to a question, she admitted that the UNHCR has no mandate for the Biharis known as stranded Pakistanis. Phiri, however, said, "We'll maintain our interests until the issues are addressed by the Bangladesh government."

On some 26,000 Rohingya refugees living in two camps in Cox's Bazar, the UNHCR representative said the door must be kept open for voluntary repatriation of the refugees to Myanmar. "I firmly believe they will go back home because home is home."

She emphasised the importance of improving the living condition and ensuring formal education for the children of the camps.

Phiri expressed desire to begin a discussion with the government to allow the refugees' freedom of movement and right to work.

Currently, the refugees, who have been here for the last 15 years, cannot get out of the camps and are not allowed to work.

She said Bangladesh should ratify the 1951 Refugee Convention.