Political parties call for national unity to resolve Rohingya crisis

Leaders of different political parties have stressed that national unity along with an active role of the international community is essential for a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis. 

They unanimously emphasised the need for safe, dignified, and sustainable repatriation of the displaced Rohingyas.

Political party representatives shared their views today (25 August) while attending the ongoing three-day stakeholders' dialogue on the Rohingya crisis at Hotel Baywatch in Cox's Bazar.

The Office of the High Representative for the Rohingya Issue and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are jointly organising the event titled "Stakeholders' Dialogue: Takeaway to the High-Level Conference on the Rohingya Situation" with the aim of engaging global stakeholders to find solutions to the prolonged Rohingya crisis. 

Speaking at the event, BNP Chairperson's Adviser Ismail Zabihullah said that previous governments backed by BNP had been successful to repatriate Rohingyas through diplomatic efforts.

But, he said, as the then government under Sheikh Hasina utterly failed to tackle the situation politically and diplomatically in 2017, the thing has come to this stage. 

Noting that this crisis could not be resolved without Myanmar's active participation, Zabihullah said, "If the people of Bangladesh vote BNP to power, it will remain committed to resolving the Rohingya crisis with the support of the international community". 

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Parwar described standing by the Rohingyas as both a humanitarian and Islamic duty.

"The Holy Quran commands us to defend the persecuted. Therefore, Jamaat will remain firm in supporting humanitarian assistance, justice and the sustainable solution for the Rohingya crisis. Myanmar authorities, the military junta and responsible officials must be held legally accountable before international court like the ICC and ICJ," he said.

Parwar highlighted the urgency of educational and skill development programmes for Rohingya youth alongside humanitarian aid.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain said that the Rohingyas were forcibly displaced. 

"Those responsible for the genocide in Arakan must be tried at the international court. The ultimate solution lies in ensuring their dignified and safe return to their homeland," he remarked.

Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party) General Secretary Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad said efforts for Rohingya repatriation must continue, but at the same time, long-term humanitarian, social, and economic programmes are urgently required for the Rohingyas residing in Bangladesh.

Gana Adhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan and Presidium Member of Islami Andolan Bangladesh Professor Ashraf Ali Akon spoke at the event, among others.

High Representative for the Rohingya Issue and National Security Adviser of Bangladesh Khaliur Rahman was present at the session moderated by Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam.

All participating political leaders agreed that the Rohingya crisis is not solely Bangladesh's burden but a regional and international problem. They said the crisis cannot be resolved without coordinated action from the global community.

The three day international dialogue will end tomorrow.