AFTER one year of ethnic cleansing in Rakhine State of Myanmar that triggered the greatest exodus to Bangladesh border, no practical development of their repatriation is in sight. The repatriation of Rohingyas remains elusive even nine months after the signing of an agreement between Bangladesh and Myanmar. The divided global powers in their interest alignment have do nothing for ensuing repatriation of the most persecuted people except expressing their clever concern and sending inadequate aid.
In the agreement Myanmar imposed some stringent conditions — the returnees must show national registration cards or documents of residency, which is hard to meet as the people have been denied citizenship for decades. Undeniably, our poor foreign policy and ineptness in strategic dealings forced to sign the unrealistic deal where no deadline was mentioned. However, Myanmar’s ally China had opposed repeatedly any action of the world body at the UN Security Council. The deal also made it easy for Myanmar to buy more time apparently to ease international pressure on it. Now, the pain and agony of the refugees become louder and louder. The flow of humanitarian aid from international community has also decreased. The refugee management may face a difficult situation in the coming months.
Myanmar is building camps to house repatriated Rohingyas as their homes have been burnt during the military crackdown. The camps are like prisons. In the camps of Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine, one lakh Rohingyas have been languishing for almost six years. They suffer from chronic malnutrition and receive minimal medical care. They are not allowed to return home. The authorities are building security force bases by bulldozing land where Rohingya villages were burnt just months ago.
Since the mass exodus of the Rohingyas began last year, everyone — UN and international rights bodies — has been advocating safe, dignified and voluntary repatriation. But it did no good to the Rohingyas. Every day the situation is getting worse, diminishing Rohingyas’ hopes of going back. And the longer they stay in Cox’s Bazar, the burden would become heavier on Bangladesh.
Our government is very strong when it comes to deal with their own people but in respect of foreign relations its performance is too meek and shamefully ineffective.
