Dhaka warns SAsia of refugee consequence

Bangladesh today said the presence of nearly one million Rohingya refugees, who escaped ethnic cleansing in Myanmar, in its territory has the potential to destabilise South Asia and favoured implementation of the Kofi Annan report in its entirety to solve the crisis.

Addressing a media conference after wrapping up his two-day visit to India, Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque, who met his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, said, while the presence of so many Rohingyas in Bangladesh was a "huge burden" on the country's small economy but also posed a security threat.

"It has the potential to destabilise not only Bangladesh but also the entire region. It has ingredients to become a security threat," he asserted.

Asked if Bangladesh shared India's concern over the possibility of Rohingyas turning into a security threat, Haque said: "We also believe that the Rohingya issue has the potential to destabilise the region. We are speaking in the same language on this." 

To a question as to how supportive India has been to Bangladesh on the Rohingya issue, Bangladesh's top diplomat said "the people of Bangladesh are very appreciative of India's role in coping with the situation arising out the influx of so many Rohingyas. In terms of sending relief materials, India tops the list. The people of Bangladesh and its government are happy about India's role".

He said India has always stood by Bangladesh on Rohingya issue "and I have no doubt about India's support to Bangladesh to help stabilise the situation in Bangladesh arising out of the refugee crisis."

Haque said ever since the present phase of Rohingya crisis erupted, he had met the Indian foreign secretary in Colombo and New York before the meeting in New Delhi.

"The impression I got is that India will always stand by Bangladesh especially in times of difficulty," he remarked.

Asked about India's decision to deport an estimated 40,000 Rohingyas, Haque said "I will not comment on India's decision. But we hope consideration will be given to the human rights aspect of it."

Haque said Bangladesh has already about 4.5 lakh Rohingyas since 1978-79 and added to it is another over five lakh who have poured in since August this year.

Replying to a question, Haque said there was no timeframe for Myanmar to get back with a response to Bangladesh's proposal on repatriation of Rohingya refugees made during the visit of the minister in the State Counsellor's office to Dhaka a few days ago but both sides are in the processing of firming up the composition of the joint working group to be set up for the purpose.

"No, there is no timeframe for Myanmar's response but we want it as early as possible," he added.

Asked to elaborate on Bangladesh's proposal made to Myanmar last week for repatriation of Rohingyas, the Bangladesh Foreign Secretary said, "This is a part of the negotiations. So, I will not disclose the details. But we have proposed the involvement of international bodies in the repatriation process because the number of refugees is huge."