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Bangladesh has formally conveyed its concern to Myanmar over the country’s recent remarks on the Rohingya issue, particularly its reference to the Rohingyas as “Bengalis.”
Director General of the Myanmar Wing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Toufiq-ur-Rahman raised Bangladesh’s concerns during a meeting with Myanmar Ambassador U Kyaw Soe Moe at the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday.
Referring to a statement issued by Myanmar’s Foreign Ministry on August 15, Toufiq-ur-Rahman said many of the figures and facts cited in the statement were inaccurate, particularly the number of displaced Rohingyas currently living in Bangladesh.
He said UN-registered data accurately reflects the number of Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh and urged Myanmar to expedite the verification process in line with existing bilateral agreements and understandings.
Bangladesh also stressed that the verification process must include Rohingyas forcibly displaced from Rakhine after 2017 as well as children born in the camps.
The Bangladeshi side said information on additional registered Rohingyas, beyond the existing figure of 828,824, would be handed over to Myanmar at an appropriate time.
Bangladesh further said it was incorrect to describe the Rohingyas as “Bengalis,” as they are a distinct ethnic community whose identity had also been recognised by Myanmar authorities until recently.
Myanmar Ambassador U Kyaw Soe Moe assured the Bangladeshi side that he would convey its concerns and observations to his government. He also said Myanmar remained committed to expediting the verification process and beginning the repatriation of verified Rohingyas.
Bangladesh reiterated that the only sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis is their safe, dignified and voluntary repatriation to Rakhine.
