Arakan News Agency
Bangladesh government is sensitive to the security concerns of the returning Rohingya refugees under a repatriation deal with Myanmar, said Bangladesh’s envoy to Ankara on Monday.
Bangladesh’s ambassador to Ankara says his country understands security concerns of Rohingya refugees
Speaking to Anadolu Agency, M. Allama Siddiki said Bangladesh expects from Myanmar government to ensure the security and safety of Rohingya Muslims after their return from the refugee camps in southeastern Bangladeshi district of Cox’s Bazar.
The Rohingya, described by the UN as the world’s most persecuted people, have faced heightened fears of attack since dozens were killed in communal violence in 2012.
More than 750,000 refugees, mostly children and women, have fled Myanmar since Aug. 25, 2017 when Myanmar forces launched a crackdown on the minority Muslim community, according to the Amnesty International.
At least 9,000 Rohingya were killed in Arakan state from Aug. 25 to Sept. 24, according to Doctors Without Borders.
In a report published on Dec. 12, 2017, the global humanitarian organization said the deaths of 71.7 percent or 6,700 Rohingya were caused by violence. They include 730 children below the age of 5.
The UN has documented mass gang rapes, killings — including of infants and young children — brutal beatings and disappearances committed by security personnel. In a report, UN investigators said such violations may have constituted crimes against humanity.
“Due to their security concerns, we had not push them back to Myanmar when they fled to Bangladesh,” Siddiki said.
