International pressure should be continued

Bangladesh is playing a humanitarian role providing shelter to Rohingya people who have fled from Myanmar military junta's brutality.

The world community is praising Bangladesh for the role. And Myanmar agreed to take back their citizens following the pressure of international community. They have also signed an agreement. However, Myanmar is trying to make the repatriation process slow showing several excuses. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) sources expressed a similar anxiety over the issue. 

On November 23, a joint working group has been formed between Bangladesh and Myanmar to repatriate Rohingyas in Myanmar's Naypyidaw. Basically, Myanmar signed the deal with Bangladesh when the international pressure mounted. But, the influx of Rohingyas did not stop. The complaints of Rohingyas, so called repatriation deals are not taken seriously by the Myanmar military. The ill fated people have continued their journey towards Bangladesh due to brutality of Myanmar army.

Media reports said that 75,000 more Rohingyas entered into Bangladesh from Myanmar just after the repatriation deal. Blank fire and others techniques are being used against Rohingyas. 

Bangladesh, UNHCR and several international organizations got involved to repatriate Rohingyas. But, Myanmar is not doing anything in this regard. Even, the country is not allowing international organizations to enter in Rakhine State. Myanmar tried to show international communities that they are solving the problem discussing with Bangladesh. However, their effective steps are not seen yet.

There was a question about the success of Rohingya repatriation deal after signing the agreement. Analyzing the Rohingya repatriation deal, UNHCR highlighted weak points of the agreement. It's not clear yet that where the Rohingyas will go after their repatriation. Rohingyas were kept in some areas of Rakhine as prisoners without ensuring proper citizen rights. If the same result is seen after the repatriation then that will be inhuman defiantly. Besides, there is no guarantee that Rohingyas will get their lost homes and lands. The issues should be highlighted strongly.

Basically: It will be so tough to send back the Rohingya refugees if Myanmar government doesn't change their stance over Rohingya issue. International pressure should be continued on Myanmar side by side the ongoing process of Rohingya repatriation deal. Otherwise, only few numbers of Rohingyas will be sent in the country from here. Moreover, steps should be taken to ensure a favorable environment for Rohingyas so that they can live safely in Myanmar.


risingbd/Dhaka/Jan 16, 2018/Ali Nowsher/Nasim