Myanmar, Suu Kyi keep drawing condemnations
Different organisations yesterday demanded that the Myanmar government immediately stop the “horrific acts of violence” against the Rohingyas and urged the global leaders and the United Nations (UN) to take necessary steps to stop this humanitarian tragedy.
At the same time, they slammed Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar's de facto leader, for failing to condemn the violence against the minority group of her country.
Over the past two weeks, an estimated 290,000 Rohingyas have sought refuge in Bangladesh fleeing military offensive in Myanmar's Rakhine State.
Calling for an immediate halt to all hostilities by the Myanmar authorities, the organisations formed human chains in front of Jatiya Press Club in the capital.
Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Shujan), a civil society platform, called upon the Myanmar government to recognise the Rohingyas as its citizens.
Speaking at a human chain, Murshikul Islam Shimul, co-coordinator (Dhaka zone) of Shujan, said if Rohingyas keep coming to Bangladesh following atrocities in Myanmar, Bangladesh will have to face severe problems in the days to come.
“Although Bangladesh government is providing shelter to Rohingya refugees, it will not be able to solve the Rohingya crisis alone,” he added.
“It [Rohingya issue] needs to be seen as a humanitarian crisis rather than a political one.”
Abul Hasnat, general secretary (Dhaka district committee) of Shujan, said the activities of Myanmar army are identical to those of Pakistan Army, who tried to extirpate the Bengali people in 1971.
Condemning the violence against and displacement of Rohingya civilians, Bangladesh Sammilito Peshajibi Parishad (BSPP) demonstrated in front of the press club.
Speaking at a separate human chain, Mahmudur Rahman, editor of the Amar Desh and convener of BSPP, demanded that world leaders take initiative to create a safe zone in the Rakhine State for saving the repressed Rohingyas.
Expressing solidarity, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said Aung San Suu kyi received Nobel prize for peace but she had failed to ensure peace in her own country.
“They are killing innocent children and women,” he said, suggesting that the Bangladesh government should strengthen the diplomatic effort to end the crisis.
At another programme organised by Bangladesh Civil Rights Society, Nagarik Oikya Convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna criticised the role of Bangladesh government.
He said Turkish First Lady Emine Erdogan came to Bangladesh to see the situation of Rohingyas, but the head of the government had not visited the area yet.
Sri Krishna Seba Sangha, a religious organisation, also formed a human chain on Rohingya issue.
Sujon Dey, member secretary of the organisation, criticised Aung San Suu Kyi for her silence in the face of a bloody military crackdown on the Rohingyas.
The National Front of Teachers and Employees (NFTE) formed a human chain in front of the press club. Speakers urged the people across the board to raise their voice on the Rohingya issue and requested all political parties of the country to put a united effort to handle the crisis.
Bangladesh Islamic Party also organised a human chain at the same venue.
Meanwhile, Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad in a statement yesterday expressed grave concern over Rohingya issue.
He said it is really difficult to accommodate more than 10 lakh Rohingyas in Bangladesh. But he urged the Bangladesh government to give them shelter, service and medical treatment on humanitarian grounds.
In the statement, the JP chairman hoped that Myanmar government would take back the Rohingya refugees and rehabilitate them with proper compensation.
The Rohingya crisis is a blow to the country which has already been bearing the brunt of recent flood situation, he said.
Therefore, he called upon the UN and the world leaders to stay beside Bangladesh to deal with the crisis, the statement added.