The Rohingya community observed Genocide Remembrance Day in the refugee camps on Sunday, marking the 7th anniversary of their exodus to Bangladesh.
A massive rally was held in the camps to commemorate the occasion.
August 25 has been observed by the Rohingyas as Genocide Remembrance Day, also known as Black Day, ever since they fled Myanmar in 2017.
This year, despite torrential rain, thousands of Rohingyas participated in the "Hope is Home" campaign across various camps in Ukhiya, chanting slogans demanding an end to the genocide in Myanmar.
Genocide Remembrance Day for Rohingyas SundayFrom early morning, people from neighbouring camps began gathering at a football field within the camp. The rally saw participation from men, women, and children, all holding posters and placards that emphasized their desire to return to Myanmar.
During the rally, Rohingya community leaders recalled the events of August 25, 2017, when millions of Rohingyas fled to Bangladesh to escape the genocide perpetrated by Myanmar's military junta.
The junta burned our homes and carried out ethnic cleansing in Arakan, they said.
The leaders also highlighted that the Rohingya community is facing a second wave of genocide this year, allegedly being carried out by the Arakan Army in Rakhine State. They emphasized that Genocide Remembrance Day is not just a day of mourning but also a call to return to their homeland.
"We have the highest expectations from the new interim government," one leader said. "But how many years must we stay in this country? We don't want to stay here anymore. Myanmar is our country, and we need to be repatriated immediately."
Rohingyas declare Aug 25 as ‘genocide day’Expressing gratitude to Bangladesh, the leaders called on the international community, including the United Nations, to intervene and stop the atrocities being committed by the military junta and the Arakan Army.
They also sought support from donor organizations, including the United States, United Nations, OIC, United Kingdom, European Union, and Bangladesh, to facilitate the repatriation process.
Rohingya community leaders Syed Ullah, Master Mohammad Kamal, Master Rashid Ahmad, and Master Rahmat Ullah were among those who spoke at the rally.
