Experts are of the opinion that if the Rohingya issue is left unresolved, the crisis can destabilize the county and the entire region as well. Bangladesh wants to resolve Rohingya crisis through peaceful negotiations but Myanmar is showing zero interest to take back its nationals. In such a situation, concrete intervention from international community to intensify pressure on Myanmar has become more pertinent.
Though, as the host country Bangladesh finds itself saddled with an enormous economic and social burden, Bangladesh has remained reluctant to voice concerns about Indian, Chinese and Russian policies regarding the Rohingya issue. However, it is good to note that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is going to raise her voice about the crisis in her upcoming China visit. China and Russia, two permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, have shielded Myanmar from formal condemnation for its persecution of the Rohingyas. Myanmar purchases military equipment from both Russia and China. China sells arms and has invested heavily in Myanmar’s natural resources, and India has a growing commercial and investment interest in Myanmar and wants to check-mate Chinese strategic outreach. Trapped in the vortex of such crisis, Bangladesh is forced to act as a mere fiddle in these competing ethno-religious narratives and geopolitical interests.
Rohingyas are now living in deplorable conditions in Bangladeshi camps with little political or social liberties. The only connectivity they have with the external world is through the NGOs and social media connections available to a handful of educated Rohingyas. Experts assert that prolonged stay in the Rohingya camps may convince many Rohingya inmates to adopt militant measures to get back their ancestral homes and fundamental rights. Such a possibility becomes more real when religious zealots can access the Rohingyas and motivate them to seek a route to violence to achieve political and social rights. The Rohingyas continue to remain the world’s most persecuted minority. When acts of genocide do occur, it leaves lasting memories for the victims, and this could be psychologically destabilizing for children growing up in camps. Many observers believe that the Rohingya refugees are a ticking time-bomb which the authorities concerned must address in no time.
Considering all above it can be said that if the world community fails to resolve Rohingya crisis, a number of threats will emerge to jeopardize stability, peace and security of the entire region. Now the question is, whether or not Myanmar will move from a policy of trickling and tricking of Rohingyas rehabilitation to a more whole-hearted approach.
