The Rohingya Crisis; A dismay for Bangladesh

The Rohingya Crisis; A dismay for Bangladesh

The Rohingya crisis has become a deeper concern for Bangladesh now. Many did not even think that the problem would become so complicated after the Rohingyas entered Bangladesh in August 2016. In addition, a repatriation agreement was signed between Bangladesh and Myanmar shortly after, which made it appear that the two countries would return to their homeland without any crisis and the problem would not be prolonged. But sadly, we have not seen any practical application of this agreement.

 

In view of this, Hon'ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina raised a five-point proposal to the United Nations in September 2016 with a view to finding a lasting solution to this crisis. There, he spoke of ensuring the safety of all civilians living in Myanmar, regardless of religion or ethnicity, and of creating a "safe zone" for the Rohingya inside Myanmar under UN auspices. He also promised to ensure the safe return of all Rohingya displaced from Myanmar. Following this, the Prime Minister presented a four-point proposal to resolve the Rohingya crisis at the 74th session of the UN General Assembly last month, in which he specifically mentioned sustainable repatriation. He also called on the Rohingya to build confidence in Myanmar and arrange a visit of Rohingya representatives to Rakhine. He also called on the international community to ensure the safety and security of the Rohingya and its responsibility for human rights violations, given the causes of the crisis. In the meantime, in November 2017 and in August 2019, the initiative to start the process of repatriation of Rohingyas on the basis of bilateral agreements with Myanmar failed twice. As a result, there is widespread skepticism about the Rohingya returning to their homeland. In addition, the recent large gatherings in the Rohingya camps have made a difference.

Meanwhile, the long stay of Rohingyas is creating various socio-economic problems. Problems and deprivation in the daily life of Rohingyas in the camp are increasing as the issue of returning to Myanmar is protracted. The physical tension and emotional distance between the Rohingya and the local people is increasing. The presence of large numbers of Rohingyas has created a demographic imbalance at the local level, which could lead to mutual dissatisfaction and social unrest between the Rohingyas and the locals. Apart from that, the tendency of Rohingyas to get involved in various crimes is also gradually becoming visible. News of their involvement in the process of collecting birth registration certificates and national identity cards, making Bangladeshi passports, and even including names in the voters' list is coming in various media. There is also a sense of frustration among these large numbers of people living in a confined space without jobs. Moreover, the prolonged stay of the Rohingya could pose a security risk to Bangladesh, according to experts.

 

Due to these reasons, the Rohingya problem has now become a major concern for Bangladesh. In fact, Safe return was the only lasting solution to the Rohingya crisis. It cannot be expected that a populous and developing country like Bangladesh will bear the burden of feeding such a large population indefinitely. Until the return, some interim measures will be discussed, such as ensuring security inside and outside the camp, preventing human trafficking, ensuring education, nutrition and health care for Rohingya children living in the camp, encouraging family planning to control the population, and reducing disaster risk. Preparing Rohingyas, providing ID cards for all Rohingyas and restoring the environment. In addition to resolving the problems of the Rohingya, the conference also discussed the need to meet the needs of the local people, so as not to create any tension between the Rohingya and the local people.

To recapitulate, it can be said that as, on the one hand, Myanmar continues to deny international declarations and charters on human rights; influential countries and organizations, on the other hand, are failing to ensure the practical application of recognized international agreements and conventions to protect the Rohingya from genocide. It is also important to remember that a lasting solution to the Rohingya problem is a major challenge for Bangladesh.