Arakan Army is also killing and torturing Rohingya, says leaders at rally

Rohingya leaders call for international intervention to ensure safe return, as over 60,000 flee to Bangladesh camps

Rohingya refugees, who fled Myanmar to escape persecution and genocide, have called for their return to their homeland, describing their life in Bangladesh as that of "birds in a cage”.

They held a rally at the Lambashia 1-East Camp in Kutupalong of Ukhiya Upazila on Wednesday, demanding repatriation to Myanmar with guaranteed rights and safety.

The rally, organised by a youth group “Islami Mahasa” at the camp, highlighted the hardships faced by refugees who continue to live in Cox’s Bazar camps.

At least 100,000 Rohingya of all ages attended the event, which was held from 12pm to 2pm.

The Rohingya leaders stressed that returning home is the only solution to their suffering, but the growing influence of the Arakan Army insurgent group in Myanmar has complicated the process.

They accused the Arakan Army of committing similar atrocities to those previously carried out by Myanmar's military.

Reports from international media indicate that the Arakan Army's control has increased over recent months in Rakhine State, with Myanmar's military reportedly retreating from several camps.

The remaining Rohingya in Rakhine are at great risk to their lives. Many have been displaced during this period.

It has also been reported that, in some cases, different Rohingya armed groups are facing off with the Arakan Army, resulting in clashes and casualties.

An advisor recently told journalists that more than 60,000 Rohingya have sought refuge in the camps of Ukhiya and Teknaf due to clashes between the Arakan Army and the military junta.

Many more are attempting to cross the border.

Amid these developments, Rohingya leaders at the rally reiterated their call for swift international action to ensure their safe return.

Chanting slogans for their repatriation, they demanded global efforts to secure the safety of Rohingya still in Myanmar.

Rohingya leader Mohammad Zubair said, "Rohingya are ready to return to Rakhine (Arakan) in Myanmar. If the Myanmar government accepts our demands, we will go back. “

“With support from the United Nations and the Bangladeshi government, the repatriation process can be simplified."

The community leader of the Rohingya refugees remarked that maintaining peace and order in the camps is the responsibility and duty of the refugees.

"The growing influence of the Arakan Army has further complicated the return process. They continue to torture and kill the Rohingya,” he said, adding: “Moreover, justice for the genocide previously carried out by Myanmar's junta government against the Rohingya has still not been served."

Zubair called on the international community, including the United Nations, to urgently step in to ensure the safety, civil rights, and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees.

He said the Rohingya would return voluntarily if the Myanmar government guarantees their demands.

"Rohingya did not come to Bangladesh to stay forever. The Bangladeshi government has taken responsibility for the Rohingya, providing land, shelter, and food. Law-enforcing agencies are working to ensure security,” Zubair added.

“We [Rohingya] will remain forever indebted to the people and government of Bangladesh."