The Myanmar Spring Revolution forces and civil society organizations have sent a joint letter congratulating Bangladesh on the success of the recent student movement.
The letter also congratulated and expressed best wishes to the interim government led by Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus, and urged that the interim government collaborate with the National Unity Government and ethnic resistance organizations of Myanmar to ensure democratic and human rights.
“We commend and recognize the efforts of student and youth groups, as well as the broader public in Bangladesh, for their persistent revolutionary movements advocating democracy, human rights, freedom of expression and civil liberties,” the letter says.
“Their dedication and activism over many years have played a crucial role in addressing these critical issues, ultimately culminating in the recent resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This achievement marks a significant step forward, and we celebrate their unwavering commitment to the promotion of fundamental rights and democratic values,” it added.
Expressing support for the Dr Yunus-led interim government, the letter further says: “We express our hope that they will successfully address the significant responsibilities they have undertaken and effectively fulfil their roles during this critical period of transition.”
Requesting collaboration from the interim government with the National Unity Government of Myanmar and ethnic resistance organizations, it says: “We, along with those who sacrificed their lives in the Myanmar Spring Revolution, extend our deepest respect and honour to the more than 500 students, youth, and civilians who fell victim to violence and repression.”
According to the letter, the Myanmar Spring Revolution forces aim to ensure accountability for the abuses committed by successive regimes and seek to uphold justice.
“Similarly, we hope that the leaders of Bangladesh’s independence struggle will continue to succeed in their efforts to secure justice for the numerous victims of violence and repression, including students, journalists, and human rights activists who have been persecuted. We wish them continued success in advancing democracy, human rights, and freedoms,” it added.
Mentioning that Myanmar revolution forces have drawn significant lessons from the non-violent movements of students, labourers, farmers, and the public in both Myanmar and Bangladesh, as well as from the “balanced actions” of armed resistance groups in their struggles for democracy and liberation, the letter says: “Leaders of democratic, human rights and liberation movements must themselves reflect in and carefully consider the lessons from the vicious cycles of repression and abuse perpetrated by those who sought to suppress these very movements.
“The efforts of Bangladeshi students, youth, labour, and farmer groups, which aim to establish a political system where armed groups are under civilian control and where civilian governments are held accountable while guaranteeing democracy and human rights, are seen as aligned with the objectives and goals of the Myanmar Spring Revolution.”
The letter also expressed gratitude to the people of Bangladesh and their officials for providing humanitarian assistance and shelter to the Rohingya who fled violent military operations in Myanmar, and anticipated collaboration between the emerging government of Bangladesh, the National Unity Government of Myanmar, and the respective groups representing the Arakan region to find the best solutions for the Rohingya people.
It concluded by saying that the Myanmar Spring Revolution forces and civil society organizations are committed to ending military and all forms of autocratic or dictatorial regimes, combatting chauvinism and patriarchy, ensuring accountability for perpetrators, and seeking justice for victims.