More than 10 lakh Rohingya refugees from Myanmar have been staying in Bangladesh for five years. Bangladesh has set a commendable example by providing humanitarian aid to the whole world. But the unstable situation on the border that has been going on for more than a month due to the internal conflict in Myanmar is very unfortunate. As a result, the roots of the problem around the Rohingyas are growing. The humanitarian problem is gradually becoming a security risk.
It is noteworthy that due to the conflict between the armed group Arakan Army and the country's army in the Rakhine state of Myanmar, security risks and instability often arise on the Bangladesh-Myanmar border. The firing started several days ago at Ghumdhum border of Naikxyongchhari upazila of Bandarban. At one point, a mortar shell landed on the zero line opposite the Tumbru border. A Rohingya youth died in this.
Five Rohingya citizens including a child were injured in that incident. Before and after this, several rounds of mortar shells came from Myanmar into Bangladesh border. Each time the Myanmar ambassador was called and protested.
Also, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has briefed the envoys of the ASEAN Alliance on various aspects of the Rohingya issue. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also called for a more proactive role of the international community in solving the Rohingya problem in her address to the United Nations General Assembly.
Although Rohingya issue has set an example by providing shelter and humanitarian aid to refugees, the problem is not unique to Bangladesh, but part of regional and international problems. The creation of security risks and instability around this sensitive location of the world's largest number of refugees can seriously damage regional peace and international balance. As a result, the international community's role in addressing the humanitarian and security risks of the Rohingya problem is a very urgent priority.
In this case, it is important to prioritize some issues and move towards solving the problem.
1. Sheikh Hasina government's humanitarian role in the Rohingya issue is very positive and effective, which must be continued with the support and cooperation of the international community. As a result, the international community should come forward with a positive attitude at the call of the government.
2. Due to the Rohingya issue, it is imperative that Myanmar take effective steps towards the repatriation of its citizens and a permanent solution to the problem, putting more pressure on Myanmar internationally. Internationally and regionally, different organizations and countries have to work together with sincerity in this regard.
3. The regional and international community must act urgently to prevent potential humanitarian and security catastrophes against Myanmar's creation of border destabilization and security risks. Myanmar must be deterred by applying strong pressure from misdeeds that undermine peace, stability and security.
4. Academics, researchers and experts in Bangladesh need to focus more on the humanitarian, socio-economic, political, security and environmental aspects of the Rohingya problem. Data should be provided at the national and international levels through objective research on the problems that have arisen from this problem in five years and what problems may arise. Based on which the domestic and foreign policy makers can take appropriate plans and programs.
5. It should be monitored whether the huge amount of money allocated for Rohingya is being spent properly and the working NGOs and their manpower should be monitored. Donors on behalf of NGOs should present factual information on humanitarian issues as well as other issues including security.
6. Initiatives should be taken to resolve conflict and tension between Rohingya refugees and local residents.
7. On the Rohingya issue, attention should be paid to the formation of public opinion in the light of national interest and national security policy.
8. International organizations and countries need to be made more active and proactive by providing regular information and briefings on the multidimensional dangers of the problem.
9. The security of Rohingya camps, surrounding areas, especially the adjacent Chittagong Hill Tracts and the sea route must be strengthened and effective steps must be taken to root out activities that pose security risks through terrorism, arms, drug and human trafficking.
10. In order to ensure the security, peace and stability of Cox's Bazar, Chittagong Hill Tracts and South-East region of Bangladesh, which are regionally and internationally very important and sensitive areas of the Indo-Pacific region, more importance should be given to these issues in the national security policy and strategy.
The Rohingya issue has a national and global responsibility to address security risks. Although the problem affects Bangladesh, its regional and international significance is immense. As a result, as Bangladesh is fulfilling its humanitarian responsibility regarding this problem, the international community has also come forward. But the way security and other problems are emerging in the Rohingya issue is very worrying for everyone. As a result, it has now become necessary for everyone to act nationally, regionally and internationally to find an immediate and acceptable solution to these problems.
Dr. Mahfuz Parvez, Professor, Department of Political Science, Chittagong University; Associate Editor, www.barta24.com