Suu kyi must take proper steps

Thousands of Rohingyas are entering into Bangladesh from Myanmar's Rakhine State due to mass killing by military there began last month.

The number of Rohingyas have crossed four lakh in Cox's Bazar. Earlier, about five lakh more Rohingyas had entered into Bangladesh. The country is now facing trouble to provide shelter, food, treatment to the huge number of refugees. However, the Myanmar government has denied Rohingya killing and torture as usual. Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi supports the rulers. The military of Myanmar is committing genocide and torturing. But, Suu Kyi is praising Myanmar forces terming the killing as counter terrorism.

Although, Aung San Suu Kyi broke her silence ahead of Bangladesh and International criticism but, there was nothing to be hopeful in her recent speech over Rohingya crisis. She did not say anything criticizing Myanmar military over Rohingya genocide, torching in Rakhine, Rohingya exodus. Rather, she claimed that there was no militant drive in Rakhine State after September 5. In her speech, Suu Kyi condemned abuses and acknowledged that Muslims are fleeing from Rakhine but, she didn't mention these people as Rohingya.

The speech of Suu Kyi proves that she also doesn't accept Rohingyas as Myanmar' citizen. However, racism is the main reason behind the crisis. If Sue Kyi doesn't accept Rohingyas as Myanmar citizen, then how will it be solved? Although, in her speech, she said that Myanmar is ready to take back its citizen under Repatriation agreement of 90s. But, there is some gap in her speech as she did not clear about the future of recent four lakh Rohingyas and previous five lakh Rohingya refugees here.

Suu Kyi urged international community to visit Rakhine state. She also expressed assurance to provide cooperation in this regard. Besides, she also said that her government will work to implement Kofi Annan recommendations. Though, her speeches are positive but still there is some doubt in this regard as Myanmar military is the main key of power there. Recently, Myanmar's army chief has urged the country to unite over the issue of the Rohingya. Bangladesh and the international community expected a clear and strong statement from Suu Kyi to solve the crisis.

Aung San Suu Kyi had to pass a longtime under house arrest to establish democracy in her country. She was greeted across the globe for her role and got Nobel Prize. Today's persecuted Rohingya Muslims supported her. On the other hand, Rohingyas are now becoming victims by Myanmar army but, Suu Kyi did not express minimum sympathy nor she came forward to solve the crisis.

Everyone expected that human rights of Rohingya people will be secured after Suu Kyi's party gain power. The rule of law will be established in Rakhine State. But, it is a matter of great regret that the suffering of Rohingyas has increased.

In her speech, Suu Kyi said that Rohingyas will be taken back to Myanmar. But the question is -the verification work of Rohingyas will be done on which platform? Rohingyas have no citizenship, identities as a result, the whole matter would create complexity. Myanmar, Bangladesh and International community can complete the verification task jointly. If Suu Kyi wants it sincerely, then she should take proper steps to complete the process properly.

We think that the recommendations of Kofi Annan commission should be implemented quickly along side of Rohingya return process. Security of Rohingyas, right to move easily and other basic rights were suggested in that recommendation.

We hope the Rohingya crisis will be solved soon with the effective initiatives of international community.



risingbd/Dhaka/Sep 21, 2017/Ali Nowsher/Nasim