Rohingya crisis: Repatriation the only solution
Immediate repatriation of Rohingya refugees is the only proper solution to the Rohingya problem, said Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud yesterday.
"We see no other option [to solve the crisis] except for the safe return of Rohingya refugees [to Myanmar]. Moving some refugees to other countries won't solve it, rather it may escalate the problem," Said Hasan Mahmud in a seminar held at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building of Dhaka University, marking the 6th year of the Rohingya crisis.
The seminar titled "Genocide and Justice: Bangladesh's response to Rohingya crisis" was organised by Centre for Genocide Studies (CGS), University of Dhaka.
The seminar focused on the suffering of the Rohingya people and ongoing efforts that are being undertaken by the government of Bangladesh to solve the crisis.
DU VC Prof Md Akhtaruzzaman inaugurated the seminar where Information Minister Hasan Mahmud was present as the chief guest.
Mofidul Hoque, trustee of the Liberation War Museum, presented the keynote paper at the event, chaired by Prof Sheikh Hafizur Rahman, director of the Centre for Genocide Studies.
Hasan Mahmud said, "Bangladesh is an overpopulated country. We have many issues including natural and man-made disasters to address. Moreover, we have a refugee problem."
"Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina allowed Rohingyas to come in and stay in Bangladesh while the military junta massacred them. It was a great response to a humanitarian call. However, now we have over 2 million refugees. Initially, with the refugees, we faced some problems like fanaticism. But we successfully handled those. Later, when we moved the Rohingya people to Bhasan Char, there were many objections from the NGOs…. But they eventually praised our decision," he added.
Addressing the international community, he said they cannot deny their responsibility.
"Moving a few refugees is not a solution. Repatriation is the only solution to this problem. If the entire international community, especially India and China join in hand, nothing can prevent Rohingyas from returning to their homeland," the minister added.
DU VC Prof Md Akhtaruzzaman said, "Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's provision of shelter to the Rohingyas, including their security, deserves praise. Foreign human rights organisations are also sending aid to the Rohingyas, which is certainly commendable, but it is not the final solution. We want a complete solution for this. We want to see them back to their own land."
Among others, Johannes Van Der Klaauw, UNHCR Representative to Bangladesh; Asif Munier, migration and displacement specialist; and Prof Zia Rahman, dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Dhaka, were also present at the seminar.
Comments