World, Asia - Pacific

Bangladesh hopes Myanmar will ensure safety of Rohingya

Bangladesh’s ambassador to Ankara says his country understands security concerns of Rohingya refugees

20.02.2018 - Update : 20.02.2018
Bangladesh hopes Myanmar will ensure safety of Rohingya Bangladesh Ambassador to Turkey M. Allama Siddiki

By Sorwar Alam

ANKARA

Bangladesh government is sensitive to the security concerns of the returning Rohingya refugees under a repatriation deal with Myanmar, said Bangladesh’s envoy to Ankara on Monday.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, M. Allama Siddiki said Bangladesh expects from Myanmar government to ensure the security and safety of Rohingya Muslims after their return from the refugee camps in southeastern Bangladeshi district of Cox's Bazar.

The Rohingya, described by the UN as the world's most persecuted people, have faced heightened fears of attack since dozens were killed in communal violence in 2012.

More than 750,000 refugees, mostly children and women, have fled Myanmar since Aug. 25, 2017 when Myanmar forces launched a crackdown on the minority Muslim community, according to the Amnesty International.

At least 9,000 Rohingya were killed in Rakhine state from Aug. 25 to Sept. 24, according to Doctors Without Borders.

In a report published on Dec. 12, 2017, the global humanitarian organization said the deaths of 71.7 percent or 6,700 Rohingya were caused by violence. They include 730 children below the age of 5.

The UN has documented mass gang rapes, killings -- including of infants and young children -- brutal beatings and disappearances committed by security personnel. In a report, UN investigators said such violations may have constituted crimes against humanity.

"Due to their security concerns, we had not push them back to Myanmar when they fled to Bangladesh," Siddiki said. 

Repatriation agreement

In November last year, Dhaka and Yangon signed a repatriation agreement for the Rohingya people, which was harshly criticized by international community as well as the rights groups due to lack of mechanism for observing the vulnerable people after their return to Myanmar.

As part of the agreement, Bangladesh side handed over to Myanmar authorities the first list of 8,000 Rohingya Muslims on Feb. 16 for their scrutiny and repatriation.

Calling oppression of Rohingya “a very unfortunate and a tragic development”, Siddiki said Bangladesh was "greatly affected by the arrival of the world's most persecuted Rohingya population" in the country.

Siddiki expected that the physical implementation of the repatriation process would start "soon" and Rohingya could return to their home in Myanmar in a "safe environment and condition".

"However, the sense of security must be there. We understand that... That’s why the government of Bangladesh is moving in a gradual manner so that the secured environment is created with the help and cooperation of the Myanmar authorities on that side of the border."

He reiterated Bangladesh government's view that Rohingya refugees "must and immediately" go back to their home.

"This problem is having a huge ramification for our society, environment and tourism industry because that part of the country is the biggest source of our tourism industry."

He said the repatriation of 750,000 refugees would be started in the initial stage and if the process goes smoothly, all Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh would be returned in next stages.

'Long and hard bargain'

"This is a very long and hard bargain which Bangladesh is having with Myanmar on Rohingya issue. Myanmar is our second neighbor. We don’t want-long term vicious relationship with the country. Because it is not part of our foreign policy," the envoy said.

Responding to a criticism that the UN needs to be involved in the process, Siddiki said: "Actually, the UN starting from the topmost leadership of the world body is involved in this process."

He added Myanmar government should accept and cooperate to implement the Kofi Annan report, which suggests Yangon to allow UN observers to enter the Rakhine state and to allow Rohingya to return their lands.

"We expect the Myanmar authorities will allow UN monitors on the other side of the border when the process of repatriation begins. That’s part of the Kofi Annan report and recommendation."

He thanked Turkey for its moral and material support to the Bangladesh government on Rohingya issue.

Bangladesh envoy also voiced his satisfaction on current level of relations between the two brotherly countries.

He informed that a Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meeting between Bangladesh and Turkey is due to be held in April in Ankara.

"In JEC meeting we are also expecting to organize an investors forum. I am very happy, we have many things to do," he added.

Siddiki noted that both countries have enough potential to double the current trade volume.

"Current trade volume between the two counties is around $1.2 billion. But this is not enough, we can take this level to even much higher, even to $3 billion, if the business communities on the two sides work with more interest."

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