Since the Rohinga crisis began in Myanmar's Rakhine State, Bangladesh has engaged constructively with Myanmar and the international community to work out an arrangement under which the Rohingya refugees will be able to return to their places of origin or choice in Myanmar through conditions that are safe, dignified and sustainable.
The UNHCR had urged Myanmar to exert all efforts to create conditions for safe return of Rohingyas and address the root cause of their displacement. The UN body has also appreciated the commitment of Bangladesh to protect the refugees' rights to safe, voluntary and dignified return to their homes.
But it is a matter of great concern that Myanmar Religious Affairs Minister Thura Aung Ko recently made a 'derogatory and provocative' remark about Rohingya refugees. He referred to the Rohingyas as Bengalis and said Bangladesh was "not letting them return". The Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already strongly protested against the comments.
All-out formalities for repatriation were completed by Bangladesh on November 15, 2018. But none of the Rohingya refugees agreed to return to their own state, fearing further persecution. While Bangladesh has been doing so much on this side, Myanmar just made some shelter camps instead of permanent safe homes.
The Myanmar minister's remarks and the report from Reuters prove Myanmar's double standard regarding the issue. The international bodies should look into the issue and take steps to ensure safe repatriation of the Rohingyas.
Md. Zillur Rahaman
Islami Bank Bangladesh Ltd,
Lalmohan Branch, Bhola.
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