ZCZC
BSS-01
PM-UNGA-ROHINGYA
PM insists immediate implementation of UN deal with Myanmar
NEW YORK, Sept 28, 2018 (BSS) – Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today
insisted immediate and effective implementation of a UN agreement with
Myanmar over the Rohingya crisis accusing the country of disregarding its
commitment for their safe repatriation alongside denouncing the atrocities on
the ethnic minority population there.
“We want to see immediate effectiveness of the UN deal with Myanmar . . .
since the crisis erupted in Myanmar it has to be solved in Myanmar,” she said
while delivering her statement in the 73rd UN General Assembly (UNGA) at UN
Headquarters.
Sheikh Hasina added: “As a fellow human, we can neither ignore nor remain
silent about the plight of the Rohingyas.”
The premier said the shocking UN report describing the atrocities and
crimes against humanity against Rohingyas “dumfounded us” but she expected
the international community and UN in particular to seriously look into the
matter.
“The Myanmar situation repeatedly reminds us of the genocide committed by
the Pakistan occupation forces against our people in 1971. During the nine
months of our Liberation War, the Pakistanis had killed three million
innocent Bengalis,” Sheikh Hasina said.
The premier said despite more than one agreement it reached with
Bangladesh, Naypyidaw took no tangible step to resolve the crisis.
“All the time Myanmar made verbal commitments to take back the Rohingyas,
but in reality the Myanmar authorities are taking no role,” she said.
The neighbouring country’s attitude upset Dhaka since “so far the process
for permanent and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas could not be started
despite our (Bangladesh’s) sincere efforts”.
Bangladesh, she said, from the very outset of the crisis was trying to find
its peaceful solution through bilateral consultations and so far, reached
more than one bilateral arrangements with Myanmar for Rohingya repatriation.
She said some 1.1 million Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh were living in
their makeshift camps in an uncertain situation though “to the best of its
ability, Bangladesh has made arrangements for their food, clothing,
healthcare, child-care and security”.
Sheikh Hasina said she could feel the pain and suffering of countless
people around the world, persecuted and expelled from their homes like the
Rohingyas and added “it is impossible to build peaceful, just and sustainable
societies by ignoring such situations”.
She simultaneously recalled a five-point proposal she presented in the last
year’s UNGA session with a view to finding a durable and peaceful solution to
the sufferings of the forcibly displaced and hapless Rohingyas.
Sheikh Hasina, however, said until the Rohingyas could return home, they
would be provided makeshift abode in Bangladesh in a healthy condition and
towards that end she said, “We are taking steps to relocate them in suitable
areas with facilities of education, health care and other needs”.
Sheikh Hasina extended thanks to the countries and organizations including
the UN, the Commonwealth, and the OIC for showing solidarity with the
Rohingyas and providing support and assistance for them.
She called upon international organizations to join hands with her
government seeking assistance to help relocate the Rohingyas in a better
place.
MORE/SH/AKH/ARS/AR/0658 hrs