Limited Rohingya acceptance by West 'counterproductive': Hasan Mahmud

A limited number of Rohingyas being allowed to immigrate to countries like the US, Canada, and the UK is a counterproductive measure, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud said today.

"The US, Canada, and the UK receiving a few hundred Rohingya refugees is a counterproductive step since they consider it a chance to move to a western country," he said while addressing a discussion titled "Rohingya Crisis: The future road ahead", organised by the Overseas Correspondent Association Bangladesh (OCAB) in the city.

The minister said the action is encouraging more Rohingyas to enter Bangladesh with the hopes of using it as a route to those countries.

Hasan Mahmud said Myanmar's internal conflict, which is nothing new there, cannot be an excuse for delaying the Rohingya repatriation.

He said Bangladesh has been following the path of "negotiations" through diplomatic channels, avoiding provocations from Myanmar and other international actors. "There were provocations from Myanmar and other international actors. We did not step into those provocations. Rather, we are following the diplomatic path to seek a solution to the crisis and repatriation is the only solution," he said.

Hasan expressed disappointment that Rohingyas living in Cox's Bazar have started to get involved in local jobs. "They are employed in fishing boats, working as rickshaw-pullers and the locals feel threatened."

In 2019, Gambia, with the backing of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), filed a case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing them of violating the Genocide Convention. In January 2020, the ICJ adopted provisional orders ordering Myanmar to prevent all genocidal acts against the Rohingya.

"If we continue the international pressure and if a positive verdict comes from the ICJ, Myanmar will feel the pressure for repatriation," he said.

The number of Rohingyas in Bangladesh is now 1.3 million which might reach 1.5 million soon, he added.

The minister said regional powers like India and China have an important role to play.

He further said the overall funding for the Rohingyas dropped significantly last year. "This year the response is better as we have put in much effort. It is a big challenge to get funding as there are other crises in the world."

The minister said, "The Rohingya crisis has now become a regional crisis, which may deepen in the future. Rohingyas' repatriation to their country with full dignity is the only permanent solution."

Former state minister for foreign affairs Shahriar Alam said the international community has collectively failed regarding the Rohingya issue but they cannot continue to fail.

In his keynote, UNB Editor Farid Hossain said Bangladesh is trying its best to find a solution to the issue of repatriation, but it seems the international community is doing little in this regard.

"Financial commitments are declining amid weakening political will. That's where the crux of the matter lies. Have we hit a dead end or what? That's the question we need to answer," he said, giving details on how international funding flow is decreasing.

OCAB hosted the discussion marking its 45th founding anniversary.

Meanwhile, outgoing Myanmar Ambassador Aung Kyaw Moe met with the foreign minister at his ministry today. During the meeting, Hasan Mahmud emphasised the importance of repatriating Rohingyas to Myanmar with full citizenship rights.

The ambassador described the ongoing armed conflict between the Myanmar army and various factions as an obstacle to the Rohingyas' return. However, he assured that his country would make more efforts to address the issue.