Rohingya Rally
‘Our final word is one, we want to return to Arakan’
Rohingyas hold a rally marking the ninth Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day. Photo: Agamir Somoy
Rohingyas held a rally in Ukhia of Cox’s Bazar marking the ninth Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day. At the rally, they expressed their desire to return to their homeland.
A large number of Rohingyas from various camps in Ukhia and Teknaf took part in the rally organized by the civic organization United Council of Rohingya (UCR) at the football field of Camp 4 Extension in Ukhia on Tuesday morning.
At one point during the rally, participants chanted various slogans in the Rohingya language for 10 minutes. The rally venue echoed with the slogan “Shesh Hatha Ekkan, Firt Chai Arakan,” meaning “Our final word is one, we want to return to Arakan.”
Those killed in the violence in 2017 were remembered at the rally. Speakers also discussed the current situation of Rohingyas, justice and accountability for the genocide and their right to return to their homeland.
Rohingya rights activist Mohammad Rafique said, “We have been living as refugees in Bangladesh for nine years. Now we want to return to our homeland. For this, we must remain united. Arakan is ours. There is no greater truth than this. The humanitarian world must consider this issue seriously.”
Mohammad Sayed Ullah, a member of the UCR Presidential Panel, said they are grateful to Bangladesh for providing humanitarian assistance by sheltering the Rohingyas. However, they want to return to their birthplace Myanmar and live normal lives.
He said repatriation must be safe, voluntary and dignified. Simply sending them across the border to Myanmar will not be enough. After their return, they must also be guaranteed security, rights, citizenship, freedom of movement and livelihoods.
UCR leader Master Shoaib delivered a speech in the Burmese language at the rally. He called for an effective role from the international community to ensure the rights and security of the Rohingyas.
He said, “The international community must create an environment where Rohingyas can return to their homeland without fear and uncertainty.”
Speakers said that even nine years after the violence in 2017, the wounds in the lives of Rohingyas remain deep. The pain of losing relatives, the suffering of losing homes and uncertainty over being unable to return to their homeland for a long time have made their lives difficult.
They demanded that steps be taken for swift repatriation by ensuring a safe environment. They also called for justice for the genocide and accountability for those responsible.
Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner, said permission was granted this year as well to organize a rally marking Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day as in previous years. Members of the Armed Police Battalion (APBn), along with law enforcement agencies, were deployed to ensure security at the camps around the rally.
