Bangladesh is not Rohingya home: Dhaka reminds international community

The state minister for foreign affairs has reminded the international community that Bangladesh is not the home of Myanmar’s Rohingya people as Save the Children brings out refugee children's concerns in the Cox’s Bazar camps in a report.

“Bangladesh is offering the best as it can, but let's not forget it is not their home,” Md Shahriar Alam said, adding that it is the “collective responsibility” of all in the international community to help these children to get back to their homes in Rakhine state.

“We acknowledge special requirement of the children in the camps,” he said at the launching of the report “Childhood Interrupted: Children’s Voice from the Rohingya Camps in Cox’s Bazar” on Sunday in Dhaka.

“We believe that Rohingya children need to build their sense of belongingness in Rakhine State in their homes,” he said adding "Unfortunately, we find that their future depends on the progress of overall repatriation process.” 

He once again urged the international community not to lose focus on Rohingya issue and continue to exert pressure on Myanmar so that Myanmar remains sincere and committed to the repatriation process and fulfil its obligation of creating a conducive environment with ensured livelihood in safety and dignity in Rakhine State.

“Myanmar must be convinced to allow international humanitarian assistance into Rakhine State as well to ensure a healthy environment for the returning children,” he said.

He also requested “friends in the international community” to continue to provide assistance to the Rohingyas including their children.

The Save the Children’s report captured various concerns expressed by the children.

The state minister said the need for better illumination of the camps is a genuine concern for children and adult alike. Concerns for safe water, sanitation and hygiene are also real.

“Bangladesh government with the help of the international community has been seeking to address these issues and conditions have improved significantly.”

He once again assured that Bangladesh would not repatriate anybody without his or her will.

Bangladesh is now giving shelters to over a million forcibly displaced Myanmar residents, the Rohingyas, after the latest exodus since Aug 25.

“Continued deprivation, persecution, disenfranchisement and military atrocities against the whole community of Rohingyas are the causes of the crisis,” the state minister said.

“We need to recognise that the problem has its origin in Rakhine State and its comprehensive solution has to be found there. Bangladesh is only unjustifiably bearing the brunt of it- till today as the flow did not stop.”

He said the primary focus of the government has been “to ensure the safe, voluntary and sustainable return of the displaced persons including the children.”

Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission Kazi Reazul Hoque was also present at the ceremony, among others.