Of the many objectives on Bangladesh's agenda moving forward, one of the most pressing concerns remains the safe and immediate repatriation of Rohingya refugees.
It is reassuring, therefore, to see that our government is continuing to treat the issue with the kind of urgency it necessitates, and continues exploring rational ways to facilitate a sustainable solution.
Bangladesh has aimed to maintain friendly relations with Myanmar, and negotiate the repatriation of the Rohingya refugees currently residing in the country in a peaceful manner. On the occasion of Myanmar's 75th anniversary, Bangladesh extended good wishes to their neighbour, and echoed the need for the immediate repatriation of their people.
Since Bangladesh began hosting 1.1 million Rohingya refugees, since their mass exodus over five years ago, it has become increasingly difficult for the country to continue providing for the displaced community.
However, despite the countless attempts to arrange for the refugees' safe return to their homeland, a lack of sincerity on Myanmar's part coupled with minimal effort from the international community have unfortunately prevented any significant progress so far.
After a shamefully long period of silence -- and, essentially, negligence -- from the world at large, we are finally beginning to see murmurs of concern over this crisis from other nations.
With increased backing from international powers and Bangladesh's insistence on resolving the matter amicably, there is hope that this humanitarian crisis -- which has gone on for far too long -- can finally be put to rest.
It cannot be reiterated enough: The Myanmar military needs to be held accountable for the atrocities they have committed towards the Rohingya community, and they must be made to create a hospitable environment for the refugees to go back to.
This is a long-standing act of injustice to a vulnerable community that Bangladesh has had to bear the burden of all alone till date. It's high time we find a sustainable solution.
