Skip to main content

Ongoing ethnic, religious tension, violence 'hinder' Rohingya repatriation to Myanmar

By Dr Pranab Kumar Panday* 

In a recent article published in the South China Morning Post, attention is drawn to the escalating tensions and violence in Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh. While it is essential to shed light on the challenges faced by this vulnerable community, it is equally important to provide a balanced perspective that considers the broader context of this complex issue.
Indeed, the plight of the Rohingya is deeply concerning, and their experiences must not be downplayed. However, it is also crucial to acknowledge the commendable efforts of the Bangladeshi government and international humanitarian organizations in providing refuge and support to over a million displaced Rohingya.
These collective endeavours have resulted in tangible improvements in living conditions, access to education, healthcare, and vocational training for many refugees. Additionally, the potential repatriation of Rohingya to Myanmar, while a contentious issue, must be approached with careful consideration of the conditions necessary for a safe and voluntary return.
International cooperation and sustained diplomatic efforts remain paramount in achieving a sustainable resolution. By recognizing the progress made and the complexities surrounding this crisis, we can work towards a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by the Rohingya population.
The article paints a grim picture of a "second genocide" (though title was later changed) looming over the Rohingya community. However, it is crucial to recognize the efforts made by the Bangladesh government in providing shelter and assistance to over a million Rohingya refugees who fled persecution in Myanmar.
Bangladesh's willingness to offer refuge to the Rohingya is commendable and reflects the nation's commitment to humanitarian values. By opening its borders and providing essential services, Bangladesh has shouldered a significant responsibility, not just for its own citizens but for an entire displaced population. This act of compassion, while not without its challenges, highlights the country's dedication to upholding the principles of human dignity and rights.
It is a reminder that amidst adversity, there are nations willing to extend a helping hand to those in desperate need, setting a positive example for the international community. While the situation remains complex, it is important to acknowledge and support these efforts as we collectively work towards a more sustainable resolution for the Rohingya.
Moreover, while the article emphasizes violence within the camps, it overlooks the significant progress made in recent years. Humanitarian organizations, along with the Bangladesh government, have been working tirelessly to improve living conditions, provide education, healthcare, and vocational training for the Rohingya. 
This concerted effort has resulted in tangible improvements in the lives of many refugees
The possible repatriation of Rohingya to Myanmar is indeed a highly sensitive and complex issue, as discussed in the article. 
While the idea of repatriating these persecuted people to their homeland is noble and desirable, the ground realities in Rakhine State, Myanmar, present significant challenges. To ensure a safe and voluntary return, it is imperative to establish a stable and conducive environment for the Rohingya population.
Unfortunately, this condition remains unmet, primarily due to the ongoing ethnic and religious tensions, violence, and displacement that continue to plague the region. The Myanmar government's willingness and ability to address these issues, provide security, and ensure the protection of the Rohingya community are central to any successful repatriation efforts.
Until these fundamental conditions are met, the apprehension surrounding the repatriation of Rohingya to Myanmar is entirely justified, and international efforts must continue to address the root causes of the crisis and advocate for a durable solution that prioritizes the safety and well-being of the Rohingya population.
Rohingya crisis has regional and international repercussions that extend far beyond borders of Bangladesh and Myanmar
International cooperation is undeniably pivotal in resolving the Rohingya crisis. Given the complex nature of this humanitarian issue, the involvement of global organizations such as the United Nations is imperative. These organizations can serve as neutral mediators, bringing together the governments of Bangladesh and Myanmar to engage in meaningful dialogue.
Furthermore, they can offer essential resources, both financial and logistical, to aid in the repatriation process and the restoration of stability in Rakhine State. By pooling international expertise and resources, the global community can work towards a comprehensive and sustainable solution to the crisis, one that ensures the safe return of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar and addresses the underlying factors contributing to their displacement.
Such cooperation is not only ethically necessary but also in the interest of global stability, as the protracted Rohingya crisis has regional and international repercussions that extend far beyond the borders of Bangladesh and Myanmar.
While the challenges faced by the Rohingya are undeniably severe, it is essential to avoid sensationalism and maintain a balanced perspective. Bangladesh's efforts, along with the contributions of the international community, should be acknowledged and further encouraged. By working together, we can move closer to a sustainable solution that ensures the safety, dignity, and well-being of the Rohingya population.
It is imperative to address the dissemination of misinformation regarding the Rohingya situation in Bangladesh. Painting a broad stroke of oppression and escalating violence without a nuanced understanding of the complex circumstances only serves to perpetuate a skewed narrative.
While challenges do exist, it is crucial to avoid sensationalism and acknowledge the multifaceted efforts being made by the Bangladeshi government and the international community to support and protect the Rohingya refugees.
Failing to do so not only undermine these constructive endeavours but also hinder progress towards finding a sustainable resolution to the crisis. It is our collective responsibility to approach this issue with accuracy and empathy, ensuring that the reality is represented in a manner that reflects the complexities of the situation.
---
*Professor of Public Administration at the University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh

Comments

TRENDING

A comrade in culture and controversy: Yao Wenyuan’s revolutionary legacy

By Harsh Thakor*  This year marks two important anniversaries in Chinese revolutionary history—the 20th death anniversary of Yao Wenyuan, and the 50th anniversary of his seminal essay "On the Social Basis of the Lin Biao Anti-Party Clique". These milestones invite reflection on the man whose pen ignited the first sparks of the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution and whose sharp ideological interventions left an indelible imprint on the political and cultural landscape of socialist China.

Ahmedabad's Sabarmati riverfront under scrutiny after Subhash Bridge damage

By Rosamma Thomas*  Large cracks have appeared on Subhash Bridge across the Sabarmati in Ahmedabad, close to the Gandhi Ashram . Built in 1973, this bridge, named after Subhash Chandra Bose , connects the eastern and western parts of the city and is located close to major commercial areas. The four-lane bridge has sidewalks for pedestrians, and is vital for access to Ashram Road , Ellis Bridge , Gandhinagar and the Sabarmati Railway Station .

No action yet on complaint over assault on lawyer during Tirunelveli public hearing

By A Representative   A day after a detailed complaint was filed seeking disciplinary action against ten lawyers in Tirunelveli for allegedly assaulting human rights lawyer Dr. V. Suresh, no action has yet been taken by the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, according to the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL).

Farewell to Robin Smith, England’s Lionhearted Warrior Against Pace

By Harsh Thakor*  Robin Smith, who has died at the age of 62, was among the most adept and convincing players of fast bowling during an era when English cricket was in decline and pace bowling was at its most lethal. Unwavering against the tormenting West Indies pace attack or the relentless Australians, Smith epitomised courage and stroke-making prowess. His trademark shot, an immensely powerful square cut, made him a scourge of opponents. Wearing a blue England helmet without a visor or grille, he relished pulling, hooking and cutting the quicks. 

Swami Vivekananda's views on caste and sexuality were 'painfully' regressive

By Bhaskar Sur* Swami Vivekananda now belongs more to the modern Hindu mythology than reality. It makes a daunting job to discover the real human being who knew unemployment, humiliation of losing a teaching job for 'incompetence', longed in vain for the bliss of a happy conjugal life only to suffer the consequent frustration.

Urgent need to study cause of large number of natural deaths in Gulf countries

By Venkatesh Nayak* According to data tabled in Parliament in April 2018, there are 87.76 lakh (8.77 million) Indians in six Gulf countries, namely Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). While replying to an Unstarred Question (#6091) raised in the Lok Sabha, the Union Minister of State for External Affairs said, during the first half of this financial year alone (between April-September 2018), blue-collared Indian workers in these countries had remitted USD 33.47 Billion back home. Not much is known about the human cost of such earnings which swell up the country’s forex reserves quietly. My recent RTI intervention and research of proceedings in Parliament has revealed that between 2012 and mid-2018 more than 24,570 Indian Workers died in these Gulf countries. This works out to an average of more than 10 deaths per day. For every US$ 1 Billion they remitted to India during the same period there were at least 117 deaths of Indian Workers in Gulf ...

Celebrating 125 yr old legacy of healthcare work of missionaries

Vilas Shende, director, Mure Memorial Hospital By Moin Qazi* Central India has been one of the most fertile belts for several unique experiments undertaken by missionaries in the field of education and healthcare. The result is a network of several well-known schools, colleges and hospitals that have woven themselves into the social landscape of the region. They have also become a byword for quality and affordable services delivered to all sections of the society. These institutions are characterised by committed and compassionate staff driven by the selfless pursuit of improving the well-being of society. This is the reason why the region has nursed and nurtured so many eminent people who occupy high positions in varied fields across the country as well as beyond. One of the fruits of this legacy is a more than century old iconic hospital that nestles in the heart of Nagpur city. Named as Mure Memorial Hospital after a British warrior who lost his life in a war while defending his cou...

Differences in 2002 and 2025 SIR revision procedures spark alarm in Gujarat

By A Representative   Civil rights groups and electoral reform activists have raised serious concerns over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Gujarat and 11 other states, alleging that the newly enforced requirements could lead to large-scale deletion of legitimate voters, particularly those unable to furnish documentation linking them to the 2002 electoral list.

From crime to verdict: The 27-year journey that 'rewarded' the destroyers of Babri Masjid

By Shamsul Islam    Thirty-three years ago, on December 6, 1992, a 16th-century mosque was reduced to rubble by a frenzied mob orchestrated by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its political fronts. The demolition was not a spontaneous outburst of Hindu sentiment; it was the meticulously planned culmination of a hate campaign that branded Indian Muslims as “Babur-ki-aulad” and the Babri Masjid as a symbol of historical humiliation.