TIB urges govt to respond

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has called upon Bangladesh to provide observations, including evidence of mass atrocities against Rohingyas, to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

By starting trial for the crimes against humanity in the Hague-based court, ICC will provide a chance for justice for the Rohingyas and help create international pressure on Myanmar and its allied states, said TIB in a statement yesterday.

The ICC on May 7 sent a letter to Bangladesh seeking written observations by June 11 on whether the court can exercise jurisdiction over forced deportation of the Rohingyas from Myanmar to Bangladesh.

Some 700,000 Rohingyas have fled military crackdown in Rakhine state since August last year. Rights groups said thousands were killed, women raped and houses burnt and bulldozed -- events that the UN said have hallmarks of genocide.

UN Security Council has failed to refer the situation in Myanmar to the ICC. Against this backdrop, ICC wrote to Bangladesh.

Earlier on April 9, ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda asked the court to rule whether it has the jurisdiction over deportation of the Myanmar nationals, a possible crime against humanity.

Referring to media reports, TIB said Bangladesh is still in confusion regarding response to the ICC letter.

The anti-corruption watchdog said it is unjust to pass on the burden of one million Rohingyas to Bangladesh. Myanmar government and the international community have to take responsibility for them, it said.

“The ICC initiative is a ray of hope for justice for the Rohingyas who faced mass killings and atrocities by the Myanmar military. The armed forces operated the crackdown meant for ethnic cleansing,” said TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzman.

It is an expectation that Bangladesh, which itself is a victim of crimes against humanity, will stand strong for justice. It will be a significant step for the country to provide observations, including evidence, to the ICC.

“A strong position in favour of the ICC initiative will speed up the whole process,” said Dr Iftekharuzzaman.

Besides, as a member country of ICC, Bangladesh can play an important role in bringing the perpetrators of mass atrocities to account, he said.

“As a result, a historic opportunity will be created for accountability of the international community, including the United Nations, which has been playing a role of silent spectators in the preparation period of ethnic cleansing by the Myanmar's armed forces,” said Dr Iftekharuzzaman.