In a positive development, Myanmar has agreed to take high-level representatives from Bangladesh and other countries to Rakhine to confirm ‘improvement and progress’ , it has achieved for ensuring safe return of the Rohingyas to their homeland. Bangladesh is currently hosting about 1.1 million Rohingyas most of whom were displaced due to the persecution of Myanmar army back in 2017. However, Bangladesh has long been trying to convince the Myanmar government that it should allow the international community to enter the affected areas in Rakhine state. It has also stated that such visits will demonstrate that Myanmar is sincere to come out from its past oppressive practices in the greater Rakhine State.

The point in here, displaced Rohingyas cannot return to the ruins of devastation caused by the military government of Myanmar and its cohorts. Thousands of dwelling houses and other structures of Rohingyas have been razed to the ground – forcing them to flee their homeland. Rebuilding of those homes and other structures is needed on an emergency basis for the Rohingyas for a new beginning in their homeland.

Becoming victims of brutal persecution in Myanmar, over a million Rohingyas came to Bangladesh. They have been passing their days and nights as stateless citizens here. They are bearing the brunt of floating existence in appalling conditions. Most of these refugees, victims of violation of human rights and nightmarish situation in their native land, are staying alive defying all odds. Absence of sufficient food, shelter and medical care has made their lives miserable. For the sake of survival, many Rohingyas have become involved in criminal activities while threatening the national security of Bangladesh.

The visit of many world dignitaries to Rohingya camps failed to ensure an early return of Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar. Being an overpopulated country Bangladesh cannot take the responsibility of the refugees for a long time as it has a long list of domestic predicaments on her own. It is an obligation for the Myanmar government to accept the Rohingyas as its citizens and ensure their rights in their native soil. But the Myanmar government’s role on this vital issue has astonished the world community in the recent past. It is the responsibility of the Myanmar government to take back all the Rohingyas immediately. Lastly, we expect Myanmar authorities to convince foreign representatives with concrete and substantial improvements of the ground realities in the Rakhine State meaning – coupled with full citizenship of the refugees, the government there must also ensure that all basic necessities of the refugees are met.