Dhaka Tribune
Thousands of people have died due to the Myanmar army’s
cruelty
But it seems that Myanmar has no intention of honouring
this agreement. Despite promises to the contrary, the situation in Rakhine
state is yet to see any improvements.
As such, it is not surprising that Rohingya from the region
continue to arrive at Bangladesh’s borders, due to the fact that they are still
being threated with violence, having their homes torched by the Myanmar army.
As such, it begs us to question the fate that lies in
store for the hundreds and thousands of refugees in our shores looking forward
to go back home.
The fact that the oppression and mistreatment of the
Rohingya have continued despite condemnation from the international community
shows that Myanmar not only disrespects democracy and basic human rights, but
holds nothing but utter contempt for Bangladesh as a neighbour.
With our country having already handed over a list of
Rohingya refugees ready for repatriation, could we now, in good conscience,
even consider sending them back to a place where we know they will continue to
suffer?
Thousands of people have died due to the Myanmar army’s
cruelty, with grisly reports of the fate that is in store for anyone who
identifies as a Rohingya in Rakhine state.
What we do not wish to see is a repeat of last year’s
events.
If Myanmar’s intentions were true, the repatriation
process would have started in January as planned, instead of their government’s
numerous delays and general slipshod treatment of the repatriation process.
We fail to see exactly how Myanmar is, in any shape or
form, “ready” to take back the Rohingya refugees — with no real assurance being
given of their safety and security once the refugees are resettled.
The impunity with which Myanmar has continued its
merciless ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya needs to end now. The international
community needs to step in fast, and it is becoming increasingly apparent that
the only language Myanmar will understand is one of force.