OIC meets Jan 19 to take actions against Myanmar
Foreign ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states will meet in Kuala Lumpur on January 19 and are expected to identify and take a tough resolution against Myanmar over Rohingyas fleeing violence in Rakhine state since last October's army crackdown.
Meanwhile, Myanmar has proposed sending a special envoy to evaluate the situation, said a highly placed source at the foreign ministry yesterday.
The ministers are expected to mount the pressure calling to address basic human rights and humanitarian issues and ensure that the minority community members safely return with dignity, said diplomatic sources yesterday.
State Minister Md Shahriar Alam is expected to place a position paper of Bangladesh, said foreign ministry sources.
The OIC Groups held emergency meetings in Geneva and Brussels last December proposing further engagement with the international community, particularly the United Nations and European Union, to coordinate further action to alleviate the plight of Rohingyas. Over 50,000 Rohingyas fled to Bangladesh, telling the media horrifying stories of gang rape, torture and murder at the hands of Myanmar's security forces.
Denying abuse allegations, Myanmar banned foreign journalists and independent investigators from entering the area.
Apart from over 32,000 registered Rohingyas in two refugee camps of Cox's Bazar, about three lakh are living illegally in the district.
SPECIAL ENVOY
Myanmar State Counsellor and leader of the National League for Democracy Aung San Suu Kyi will send the envoy. It might be after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina returns from her January 16-20 visit to Switzerland, said diplomatic sources.
The foreign ministry on December 29 summoned Myanmar Ambassador in Dhaka Myo Myint Than demanding an early repatriation. Ministry officials said Bangladesh expressed readiness to engage with Myanmar to discuss the process and modalities.
Secretary (bilateral and consular) Kamrul Ahsan expressed deep concern at the influx.