Protracted crisis in Myanmar poses growing risks with national, regional security implications for Bangladesh: Prof Yunus

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus today (27 September) called for creating pathways for the Rohingyas to return to their ancestral home in Rakhine State, with safety and rights.

"Looking at the evolving ground situation in Myanmar, Bangladesh is ready to work with the international community to create an environment for dignified and sustainable return of the Rohingyas to their homeland," he said drawing global attention to the Rohingya crisis.

Delivering his speech at the UNGA in Bangla, the Nobel Peace laureate said the protracted crisis in Myanmar also poses growing risks with national and regional security implications for Bangladesh, both traditional and non-traditional security challenges.

Seven years on, he said, Bangladesh has been hosting over 1.2 million Rohingyas on humanitarian ground, incurring significant social-economic-environmental costs.

"We remain committed to supporting the forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar in Bangladesh," Prof Yunus said.

He said they need continued support of the international community towards the Rohingyas in carrying out the humanitarian operations and their sustainable repatriation.

Equally important is to ensure justice for the grave human rights violations committed against the Rohingyas, through the ongoing accountability processes in the ICJ and the ICC, he said.

Bangladesh recognises and appreciates the efforts of the secretary-general and the United Nations system in creating a conducive environment for Rohingyas so that they can lead a free and dignified life.

Maintaining Peace

Bangladesh views maintaining peace and addressing conflicts is central to peoples' progress.

"During the recent Revolution, our valiant armed forces have once again shown their commitment to peace by standing firmly with the people in fulfilling their aspirations for freedom during a most difficult time in our history," Prof Yunus said.

This was possible thanks to their commitment to place human rights at the core of peacekeeping, he said.

"Bangladesh remains equally committed to peace-building, from the inception of the UN Peace-building Commission," Prof Yunus said, adding that they look forward to promoting and enhancing Bangladesh's value-driven contributions to the UN peacekeeping operations.

As the third largest troop-contributing country, Bangladeshi peacekeepers have served across 63 Missions in 43 countries, to date.

About 168 Bangladeshi peacekeepers had laid their lives, from Bosnia to Congo.

"We do hope that Bangladesh defence forces would continue to be called upon in the future UN peace operations, regardless of the challenges or circumstances," said Prof Yunus.

Genocide in Gaza

In a world of poly-crisis, wars and conflicts are leading to erosion of rights and widespread abuses, Prof Yunus said.

The genocide in Gaza continues unabated despite global concerns and condemnation, he said.

"The situation in Palestine just does not concern the Arabs or Muslims at large rather the entire humanity," he said.

"Palestinians are no expendable people. All those responsible for the crimes against humanity against the Palestinian people must be held accountable," said the chief adviser.

Bangladesh calls for an immediate and complete ceasefire to protect the Palestinian people from the brutalities, particularly against the children and women.

The international community, including the UN, needs to act in earnest to implement the two-state solution that remains the only path to bring lasting peace in the Middle East, he said.

The two-and-a-half-year-long war in Ukraine has claimed far too many lives, Prof Yunus said.

The war has impacted far and wide, even lending deeper economic implications in Bangladesh.

"We would urge both sides to pursue dialogue to resolve the differences and end the war," said the chief adviser.