From ‘no entry’ to ‘safe zone’ – Bangladesh comes a long way on the Rohingya

As the crisis deepens over influx of Rohingya people, Bangladesh not only opened up its borders to let them in, but also stepped up its diplomatic move to find a solution. The latest of its kind was the floating of a proposal to Myanmar government for setting up internationally controlled safe zones in Rakhine state, under supervision of the United Nations, to house and protect the Rohingya people who are being displaced owing to the violence in Rakhine state. Taking humanitarian ground, Bangladesh has backtracked from its earlier position that no Rohingya would be allowed to come in. The new proposal, if it comes into effect, may make sure these affected people get safety, security, and other benefits. Welcoming the move from Bangladesh, international relations experts say these zones would not only help stop Rohingya influx to Bangladesh, but also help in surveillance on the terror activities by some rebel groups. They however urged Bangladesh authorities not to keep the diplomatic moves limited only after floating a proposal, but also to regularly follow-up with developments to get international attention for a long-term solution to this crisis. Columnist and researcher Afsan Chowdhury told the Dhaka Tribune that Bangladesh, with its latest move, is trying just to be safe, since the situation went out of control and is tense. "The idea of floating a proposal for safe zone means Bangladesh is now looking for support from the West since two core players (India and China) sided with Myanmar. If a safe zone is established for the displaced Rohingya population, in a way it can release pressure of Rohingya people from Bangladesh, and on the other hand, the rebel groups can be brought under surveillance since they will remain in an isolated place," he said. The researcher however said establishment of the safe zones is not in the hands of only Bangladesh; rather it depends on China, Myanmar and the West. "The West still remains absent as a player in this crisis. If they welcome the safe zone proposal, it may help lead to a solution," he added. Imtiaz Ahmed, professor of the International Relations at Dhaka University, welcomed the proposal for setting up a safe zone, but stressed on a more pro-active role of Bangladesh to deal with the situation. "In diplomacy, you ask for something to put attention on the gravity of the situation. At present, crimes against humanity are being committed in Myanmar as their government has failed to protect their residents and non-residents," said Professor Imtiaz. When the influx began, Bangladesh did not have legal instruments which are now in effect to help. "Now we have the International Criminal Court or global political commitments like Responsibility to Protect (R2P or RtoP). Since the Myanmar military has failed to protect the life and the livelihood of its people, and it is almost genocidal ethnic cleansing, we could expect the international forces to make moves to protect those affected," he said. "We can organise a conference inviting all countries that have the Rohingya population. Also Bangladesh should regularly follow-up with the safe zone plan and create a road map to move the plan forward," he added. Migration expert Dr C R Abrar, however, is not convinced with floating only a proposal as a diplomatic move from the Bangladesh side. "Chances are there that Myanmar would not accept the safe zone proposal. It will also require authorisation from the UN Security Council, but given the current situation, I do not think the council members would agree with the proposal," said Dr Abrar, also executive director at Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU). If Myanmar or UNSC even accept it, the safe zones may not yield any fruitful result, unless the perpetrators accept the reality and politically accept the decision for protecting this Rohingya population, the RMRRU chief said. "There is no shortcut to coming out of this crisis and it is not easy. Bangladesh must come out from the situation with a forward looking attitude and through active diplomacy with India and China to convince them and have their support in overcoming the situation," he added. The UN refugee agency UNHCR on Friday said around 270,000 Rohingya refugees have fled Myanmar in the past two weeks and sought refuge in Bangladesh.