Staff Reporter :
Bangladesh emphasised negotiations over provocation in the pursuit of finding ways for Rohingya repatriation, according to Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud.
“Bangladesh has been following the path of negotiations through diplomatic channels, avoiding provocations from Myanmar and other international actors,” the Foreign Minister said while addressing a discussion at the National Press Club on Sunday.
The Overseas Correspondents Association Bangladesh (OCAB) hosted the discussion titled “Rohingya Crisis: The Future Road Ahead,” marking its 45th founding anniversary.
Minister Mahmud noted that there have been provocations from Myanmar and other international actors, but Bangladesh has refrained from escalating tensions in response to these provocations.
“Rather, we have taken the path of negotiations. We are following the diplomatic path to seek a solution to the crisis, and repatriation is the only solution,” Hasan Mahmud said.
Former State Minister for Foreign Affairs and member of the parliamentary standing committee on foreign affairs, Md. Shahriar Alam, spoke as the special guest, and former OCAB President and UNB Editor Farid Hossain delivered a keynote speech.
Editor of Daily Observer Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, former NPC President Shawkat Mahmud, BSS Managing Editor Anisur Rahman, Dhaka University’s International Relations Department Prof. Dr. Delwar Hossain, associate professor of Peace and Conflict Studies Dr. Md. Touhidul Islam, OCAB General Secretary Julhas Alam, Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) President Syed Shukur Ali Shuvo, and Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) President Nurul Islam Hasib, among others, spoke at the discussion chaired by OCAB President Nazrul Islam.
Hasan Mahmud said the remaining Rohingyas in Myanmar are feeling encouraged to come to Bangladesh after hearing that there are few opportunities for third-country resettlement.
He said that though such third-country resettlement is very few in number, it becomes “counterproductive” as such a message goes to the Rohingyas in Myanmar.
In 2019, Gambia, with the backing of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), filed a case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing them of violating the Genocide Convention.
In January 2020, the ICJ adopted provisional orders ordering Myanmar to prevent all genocidal acts against the Rohingya.
“If we continue the international pressure and if a positive verdict comes from the ICJ, Myanmar will feel the pressure for repatriation,” the minister said.
Hasan Mahmud said the number of Rohingyas in Bangladesh is now 1.3 million, which might reach 1.5 million soon.
He reiterated that Myanmar’s internal conflict, which was always there, cannot be an excuse for delaying the Rohingya repatriation.
The foreign minister said regional powers like India and China have an important role to play. “I believe we can solve the problem if we can engage them more.”
He said that Myanmar will at least want to begin the repatriation to avoid international criticism. “I have had such a feeling after my recent discussion with the Myanmar foreign minister.”
Talking about the current situation inside Myanmar, Hasan said now Myanmar’s security personnel, including the members of the Myanmar army, are coming to Bangladesh, fleeing Myanmar. The number is now more than 700, he said.
Talking about the funding, Hasan said that the overall funding for the Rohingyas dropped significantly last year. “This year, the response is better, as we have put in much effort. It is a big challenge to get funding as there are other crises in the world.”
Highlighting the sensitivity of the complex issue, the minister said no news or information should be provided that might mislead the people.
Speaking as a special guest, Shahriar Alam said the international community has collectively failed regarding the Rohingya issue, but they cannot continue to fail.
In his key note, Farid Hossain said Bangladesh is trying its best to find a solution to the issue of repatriation, but it seems the international community is doing little in this regard.