We are seriously concerned about the fresh move by Rohingyas to enter Bangladesh territory. The Bangladesh Post on Thursday ran a story headlined.
“Dhaka concerned over fresh influx of 40,000 Rohingyas” into Bangladesh fleeing conflict in Myanmars bordering states. During the talks with Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh, Foreign Advisar Md. Touhid Hossain emphasiged the urgency of a safe and sustainable repatriation process for the displaced Rohingya population.
Rohingyas are again entering Bangladesh through Teknaf, Ukhiya and Bandarban’s Naikhongchhari border points. The situation further worsened by the activities of trafficking networks operating between the two countries.
The crisis began in August 2017, when violence in Rakhine state prompted a mass exodus of Rohingyas into Bangladesh. Humanitarian concerns and diplomatic pressures drove the initial response. However, with nearly 1.2 million Rohingyas now residing in Bangladesh, the challenges of managing this population have intensified. Issues such as violence within the refugee camps, drug abuse and other forms of social instability have become commonplace. The new arrival of refugees threatens to exacerbate these existing problems.
Efforts to repatriate Rohingyas to Myanmar have faced significant obstacles. Although a repatriation agreement was reached with Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi government in 2017, it failed to appear in 2019. Subsequent attempts, including those initiated by China in April 2023, have been hindered due to ongoing conflict in Myanmar.
We think that resolving Rohingya crisis necessitates a coordinated effort. The
primary solution is the safe repatriation of
Rohingyas to Myanmar. Achieving this requires
urgent and multifaceted diplomatic efforts, a
task made more challenging by Myanmar’s
internal instability
According to the United Nations, conditions in Myanmar are not currently favourable to the Rohingyas' safe return, thus turning the crisis into a long-term
challenge.
The interim government now faces a formidable task in managing this crisis. Recent statements by key government officials, including the Chief Adviser and the Foreign Adviser, indicating a firm stance against further entrance of Rohingyas are encouraging. However, the primary solution remains the safe repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar. Achieving this requires urgent and multifaceted diplomatic efforts, a task made more challenging by Myanmar’s internal instability.
The human rights violations endured by the Rohingyas in Myanmar represent a gross violation of international standards. The international community needs to remain actively engaged and voice in condemning these violations and advocating for the Rohingyas’ safe return. Strengthening diplomatic initiatives and enhancing border security measures to prevent further illegal intrusion are essential to address this crisis.
We think that resolving the Rohingya crisis necessitates a coordinated effort from both the national and international community. The focus must be on facilitating the safe and deliberate repatriation of the Rohingyas while implementing robust measures to prevent further illegal entries.
