Instead of creating conducive environment_ Myanmar engaged in fighting in Rakhine

Instead of creating favourable conditions for the return of hundreds of thousands of Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh_ Myanmar is engaged in fighting in Rakhine_ Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said on Thursday. The lingering of the crisis may create radicalization and uncertainty that may dash the hope of a peaceful region. The minister was addressing a virtual special foreign ministers meeting of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA). The CICA is an inter-governmental forum for enhancing cooperation towards promoting peace_ security and stability in Asia. Despite the threat to our economy_ ecology_ and overall societal impact_ Bangladesh gave shelter_ on a humanitarian ground_ to nearly 1.1 million persecuted people fleeing massacre in Myanmar_ their homeland_ said Momen.  Bangladesh is keen on solving the crisis through constructive diplomacy with good neighbourly spirit. Myanmar is our friendly country and_ therefore_ Bangladesh signed 3 instruments with Myanmar for repatriation. Myanmar agreed to take them back after verification_ he said.  They also agreed to create a conducive environment for their voluntary repatriation and they agreed to ensure safety and security of the displaced people. But unfortunately till today_ none went back and instead of creating a conducive environment_ fighting and shelling is ongoing in the Rakhine state_ said the minister.  Our fear is that_ if this problem persists_ it may lead to pockets of radicalism and since terrorists have no borders_ no 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.  We were concerned that the Covid-19 might badly affect 1.1 million Rohingyas who live in a highly congested area inside Bangladesh. Fortunately_ minimal got affected due to multiple targeted initiatives_ he added. The foreign minister said:  Because of lack of confidence buildings and trust deficits between persecuted Rohingya and Myanmar government_ not a single Rohingya went back to Myanmar. To improve confidence buildings_ we suggested many options to Myanmar_ for example_  go and visit_ Myanmar would allow Rohingya leaders to visit Rakhine province or allowing non- military civilian observers from Myanmar s friendly countries like ASEAN+_ or China_ Russia or India or any country of their choice so that Rohingya feel assured of their safety and security.  Alternately_ we requested Myanmar officials to come and talk to their displaced Rohingya for confidence building_ unfortunately Myanmar is yet to respond to our suggestions_ he said.  In this confidence building conference of CICA_ you will agree with me that it is time for Myanmar to interact with their displaced people for confidence building measures for meaningful and durable solution_ Momen said.  Secondly_ Myanmar s stability and economic growth could be negatively affected if the Rohingya problem is not resolved. This problem has been created by Myanmar and the solution also lies with Myanmar_ he said.  We believe that peace and security in Asia can be achieved through dialogue and cooperation_ where all states coexist peacefully and their people live in peace_ freedom and prosperity_ said Momen. -Source: Dhaka Tribune