Our friends in need

Despite the US’s own domestic political polarisation, the country’s legislative body -- the US Congress -- has shown remarkable bipartisan solidarity in support for the persecuted Rohingya against Myanmar. Congressmen from both sides of the aisle came together to sponsor legislation designed to impose punitive sanctions on Myanmar for their ethnic cleansing, which, if it goes through, would re-impose certain trade bans and, more importantly, bar Americans from investing in the Myanmar military. This is encouraging news for Bangladesh, as we have been the country most affected by Myanmar’s ethnic cleansing campaign. It was Sweden and the UK who proposed the first closed-door UN Security Council meeting that got the ball rolling for the international community to find ways to end Myanmar’s violent persecution. And now, with the US on board, we hope Myanmar will finally listen. Regrettably, our friendly neighbours India and China have proven to be fair-weather friends who failed to stand by us during a time of crisis. Despite sending humanitarian aid to refugees, India and China decided not to use their substantial influence to deter Myanmar from perpetuating the crisis. Russia, too, has joined their ranks. This inaction helps no one, not even them. In fact, China and Russia have actively blocked UN action against Myanmar in the open Security Council meetings, showing a disturbing lack of concern for human rights. The admirable empathy, morality, and a willingness to help that Western democracies have displayed during this great trial for humanity needs to be adopted by more nations. While Bangladesh has gone above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to tackling this humanitarian crisis, more help is always a good thing.