The fact that Bangladesh, a nation already burdened with a high population density, had extended its support to the persecuted Rohingya minority fleeing violence from their homeland Myanmar is recognized worldwide as a gesture of immense magnanimity.
And yet, support from the international community has been limited to mere words of praise with little to no signs of tangible help.
To that end, it is great see an important neighbouring country such as India -- the only country that supports a long border with both Bangladesh and Myanmar -- finally speaking the truth: The international community needs to step up.
Enough ink has already been spilled as to why the displaced Rohingya population currently staying in Bangladesh is an untenable situation, and that their safe and secure repatriation to Myanmar is the only way forward.
While intermittent attempts to repatriate the Rohingya had begun as early as 2019, the process seemed to have halted for multifarious reasons, not limited to the Covid-19 pandemic that started the following year. But such fears now in the distance, it is time to ramp up repatriation once again.
However, this process has, for the longest time, been stuck in limbo as Myanmar has continuously filibustered the repatriation process, lying about their willingness to take back the Rohingya while putting the blame squarely on Bangladesh’s shoulders.
This is where the international community can do the most help.
Any nations currently holding formal bilateral relations with Myanmar, whether through trade or otherwise, has a moral imperative to goad the country into taking back the Rohingya refugees, but not without assurance of their safety and security upon return.
The Rohingya were not safe then, and there is no reason to believe they will be so now after repatriation unless expressly stated by the Myanmar government. Which is why this is the most important facet of their return.
It is good to see some international support finally pour in for this issue. The Rohingya deserve to live a life of dignity in their own homeland.
