Govt going soft on Myanmar, fearful of its backers: BNP

In an explicit reference to India and China, BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said the government is not speaking 'strongly' against Myanmar in fear of the 'backlashes' from the countries that are backing Myanmar in Rakhine crisis.

The BNP secretary general was speaking at a discussion on Dhaka on Saturday in response to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's refusal to their demand for a 'national unity' over the Rohingya refugee issue.

"You (government) couldn't call it genocide - what is going on in Rakhine until now. You couldn't even condemn Myanmar," Mirza Fakhrul said.

"You are afraid of backlashes from the backers of Myanmar. The difference (between BNP and ruling Awami League) is evident here. That's why you don't want any unity with us on this issue," he added.

After attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said she was not ready to hear about "a terrorist party like the BNP, let alone forging unity with it".

Reacting to her comments, Mirza Fakhrul said, "Please leave these meanness, I-ness, and take all the people with you to tackle the challenge."

"Our view on Myanmar is clear - it must stop inhumane behaviour and genocide of Rohingyas," he said.

The BNP leader said party founder Ziaur Rahman and incumbent Chairperson Khaleda Zia sent back refugees to Myanmar through discussions in 1978 and 1992 respectively.

"These can be the basis of a discussion with Myanmar now," he said.

He also said it was "unfortunate that India and China failed to understand the Rohingya crisis".

Pro-BNP professionals' leader Professor Emajuddin Ahamed also slated Hasina for rejecting the BNP's call for a 'national unity' over the Rohingya issue.

"It's not the problem of a single party; it's a national crisis. The entire nation will unite to resolve this crisis," the former Dhaka University vice-chancellor said.

"She shouldn't have said so. Because if Bangladesh faces any damage, it will harm the entire nation, not only the Awami League," he said.