Foreign Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen has said that the Rohingya crisis was created by Myanmar and indeed it has been a problem of long decades in Myanmar.
“The end of this crisis could only happen by the safe, dignified, voluntary and sustainable return of the Rohingyas to their own land,” he said, addressing the inaugural session of the 6th International Conference on Bangladesh Genocide and Justice at Liberation War Museum in the capital on Thursday.
Momen said this conference has been organized at a time when Bangladesh is preparing to observe its 50th anniversary of the 1971 genocide.
Such initiatives are important tools for creating social framework for atrocity prevention. It is also a very effective forum for raising awareness on the past incidents of genocide including the one of 1971, the foreign minister said.
He, however, said stopping recurrence of Rohingya persecution and exodus and bringing the perpetrators of this crisis into justice are crucially important.
“To that end, we have remained supportive to the international mechanisms currently in the process towards ensuring justice for the Rohingyas,” Momen said.
He said Bangladesh welcomed the initiative of the International Criminal Court and as a state party to Rome statute provided all cooperation to the prosecution so far.
“We are also encouraged by the recent submission of case by Gambia to the International Court of Justice on behalf of OIC group under the Genocide Convention 1948,” he said.
He said Bangladesh believes ending of the culture of impunity would bring some positive development towards the solution of the Rohingya crisis.
Referring to the war of independence, the foreign minister said Bangladesh is a country which was born out of devastating yet glorious armed struggle led by the greatest Bangalee of all times, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
“The liberation war of 1971, although ended with our birth as a sovereign nation, left deep scars of genocide and unimaginable human sufferings, perpetrated by the occupation army of Pakistan and their local collaborators,” Momen said.
He said Bangladesh as a victim of genocide remained committed to prevention of genocide anywhere anytime. “We also believe accountability and justice are important steps towards preventing genocide”, he added.
“It also plays an important role in reconciliation and healing, important for sustaining peace. Despite obstacles, Bangladesh has made it sure that the perpetrators of the 1971 genocide are brought to justice,” he said.
The foreign minister said the trial of individuals responsible for the genocide and crimes against humanity by the international crime tribunals mark significant contribution by Bangladesh to the global slogan of ‘never again’.
“This daunting task was possible to accomplish due to very strong commitment of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina towards the cause of genocide and justice,” he said.
“I hope this august gathering of learned and eminent scholars from all around the world will contribute to the efforts of Bangladesh government for the international recognition of the ‘1971 Genocide’’. Our government and parliament have adopted 25th March as the Genocide Day of Bangladesh,” he said.
Momen said Bangladesh has always been active to establish a culture of peace all around the world.
“In this regard, I would like to quote from the speech of Bangabandhu delivered at the UN General Assembly in 1974 where he said, ‘I know that the souls of our martyrs join us in pledging that the Banglaee nation fully commits itself to the building of a world order in which the aspiration of all men and women for peace and justice will be realized,” the foreign minister said.
