DECCA, 14 September 2020, (TON): Foreign Minister of Bangladesh AK Abdul Momen said Dhaka fears that the Rohingya crisis can be an obstacle towards regional peace and stability if it is not solved as soon as possible.

"Our fear is that, if this problem is not solved quickly, it may lead to pockets of radicalism, and since terrorists have no borders and faith, there's a high possibility of creation of uncertainty in the region which may frustrate our hope for a peaceful, secure and stable region," he said yesterday at the 27th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) held online. He said Bangladesh received 1.1 million Rohingyas despite the threat to the country's economy and ecology, on humanitarian grounds, and Bangladesh was keen to solve the crisis through constructive diplomacy with good neighborly spirit with Myanmar.

He also added after a lengthy discussion, Bangladesh signed three agreements with Myanmar for Rohingya repatriation. According to those agreements, Myanmar was committed to ensuring a conducive environment for its voluntary repatriation, safety, and security. "But unfortunately till today, no one went back, and instead of creating a conducive environment, fighting and shelling are going on in the Rakhine state."

Foreign Minister said Rohingyas don’t want to back to their homeland because they don’t trust their government regarding their safety. That’s why  Dhaka had suggested Naypyidaw engage non-military civilian observers from their friendly countries and organizations like ASEAN, China, Russia, and India, saying it may reduce the trust deficit for a sustainable return.

He mentioned,"We solicit support from our ARF partners so that these hapless Rohingyas can return to their home in safety, security, and dignity, resettle there, and reintegrate in their society. Once they return to their homeland, they could be contributing members to the development of Myanmar." (Courtesy of TDS; Israt Jahan Leena, University of Chittagong, Bangladesh)