Rohingya leader threatens to take up arms to gain shelter in Myanmar

For nine years, they have lived as refugees. Years have passed waiting to return to their own country. Repatriation initiatives have been taken, discussions have been held, but the path to return has not opened in reality. Amid this prolonged uncertainty and frustration, Rohingya leader Abu Taher has now threatened to take up arms.

He said, "If returning to Myanmar through dialogue is not possible, Rohingya youths will try to reclaim their land by taking up arms."

He issued this warning on Tuesday (August 25) while speaking at a rally organized at the Shalbagan camp field in Teknaf, marking "Rohingya Genocide Day."

A large number of Rohingyas, including women and children, participated in the rally organized by UCR. They raised various slogans demanding safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation.

At the rally, Abu Taher said, "We have been living as refugees for nine years. Yet, no effective path for returning to our own country has been created. We want a solution for safe and dignified repatriation through dialogue."

Then, adopting a stern tone, Abu Taher added: "The Rohingya nation knows how to wield weapons, knows how to shoot. If returning through dialogue is not possible, Rohingya youths will try to reclaim their land by taking up arms. This is our final plan."

Abu Taher's statement has sparked fresh discussions in the camps. Concerned individuals believe such remarks stem from long-standing repatriation frustration and anger. According to them, this is not the statement of an ordinary Rohingya, but an open warning from a Rohingya leader at a Genocide Day rally.

Rohingya affairs researcher Altaf Parvez said that due to the failure of repatriation even after nine long years, frustration and anger among the Rohingya have intensified. Returning to their birthplace is their right. However, no armed activity should be carried out using Bangladesh's territory or border.

According to him, having taken shelter in Bangladesh, the Rohingyas cannot declare armed warfare. The Bangladesh government needs to warn them on this matter. If the Rohingyas become involved in armed conflict and Bangladesh's border or territory is used for that conflict, it will directly impact Bangladesh. This could create major risks not only for border security but also for the country's internal security.

At the rally, Rohingya leader Badrul Islam said, "August 25 is not a day of joy for them; it is a day of mourning, commemorating the genocide and torture." They demanded justice for those killings and the restoration of their citizenship rights. He also stated that they want to return to their birthplace safely and with dignity.