State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed on Tuesday said the Sheikh Hasina-led government caused the failure of Rohingya repatriation initiatives by limiting the process to a strictly bilateral framework.
While briefing journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Shama Obaed added that the Hasina regime “ruined” the prospects of repatriation from the outset by signing a bilateral agreement.
She contrasted this with the repatriation efforts during the tenure of late president Ziaur Rahman, noting that his government had successfully initiated a tripartite agreement.
The United Nations was a crucial partner in that tripartite deal, which ensured the involvement of every partner, including all OIC member states. The previous government, however, failed to achieve such an inclusive arrangement.
Addressing the growing complexity of the crisis, Shama Obaed noted that the situation would not have become this complicated had a solution been reached within the first three to four years of the 2017 influx.
She added that the current instability within Myanmar has further intensified the crisis.
“It is not enough to speak in diplomatic language or play with words; we must translate our intentions into action,” she said.
Regarding a recent statement from the Myanmar Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Shama Obaed clarified that Bangladesh does not agree with the data provided concerning the number and identity of Rohingyas.
She confirmed that the director general level of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held discussions with the Myanmar Ambassador on this matter, though she clarified it should not be described as a “summons.”
During the discussion, the Myanmar ambassador assured Bangladesh that he would communicate with his government to expedite the ongoing verification process, which the state minister described as “slow.”
Emphasising the need for a safe and dignified return, Shama Obaed said Bangladesh provided shelter on humanitarian and human rights grounds. She stressed that the Rohingyas must be able to return to their homeland in a safe environment with their own identity.
She also highlighted the necessity of international pressure, stating that it must be applied not only to the Myanmar government but also to the Arakan Army. She noted that China has assured Bangladesh of its support in applying pressure on Myanmar.
Moreover, Shama Obaed announced a shift in Bangladesh’s strategy to resolve the crisis, which includes more robustly engaging the international community to exert pressure on Myanmar.
A significant session on the Rohingya issue is scheduled for the UN General Assembly in September.
Responding to criticisms regarding the composition of the National Committee on the Rohingya issue, Shama Obaed disagreed with claims that it only includes security officials.
She clarified that the committee features representatives from various necessary sectors, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Social Welfare.
Regarding a UN Security Council report suggesting attempts to form Al-Qaeda cells in Bangladesh, Shama Obaed said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has no specific information on the matter.
She added that the Ministry of Home Affairs is currently investigating the claims made in the report.
