BSS-33 UN’s Myanmar report is outcome of Dhaka’s diplomacy: Shahriar

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BSS-33

UN-REPORT-REACTION

UN’s Myanmar report is outcome of Dhaka’s diplomacy: Shahriar

DHAKA, Aug 29, 2018 (BSS) – State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam today termed the UN fact-finding mission report as the outcome of Bangladesh’s diplomatic efforts centering on the Rohingya crisis.

“This is (UN report) the outcome of our ongoing diplomatic efforts under the leadership of honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The report showed that we have made success,” he told journalists responding to a query about the report at a press briefing at the foreign ministry here.

In a report on Tuesday, the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar demanded Burmese army chief and other top military commanders’ trial on charges of committing genocide and crimes against humanity in Rakhine state, the home of evicted Rohingya community, and some other areas of the country.

Shahriar termed the report as the most comprehensive, factual and crucial report since the attack in August last year. “This is the most important report we have ever seen after the last year’s influx of Rohingya into Bangladesh,” he added.

About Myanmar’s reaction, Shahriar said it is very natural that Myanmar will reject the report. “But that does not matter at all. The world knows everything,” he said.

He said Bangladesh has engaged with Myanmar patiently in dealing with the Rohingya issue maintaining the neighbourly relations.

Shahriar said Bangladesh is focusing on three aspects of the crisis – humanitarian, safe repatriation of Rohingyas and ensuring accountability for those who committed the crimes in Myanmar.

The Myanmar military launched a brutal crackdown in northwestern Myanmar’s Rakhine state in August last year after rebel attacks on its police posts and a military base. The crackdown is believed to have killed about 25,000 Rohingyas and drove 700,000 out of their home to take refuge in neighbouring Bangladesh.

In the Report, the UN investigators found the crimes against humanity committed in Kachin, Shan and Rakhine States include murder; imprisonment; enforced disappearance; torture; rape, sexual slavery and other forms of sexual violence; persecution and enslavement.

“The crimes in Rakhine State (in particular), and the manner in which they were perpetrated, are similar in nature, gravity and scope to those that have allowed genocidal intent to be established in other contexts,” the report said.

The State Minister held the press briefing regarding the 4th BIMSTEC Summit to be held in Kathmandu, Nepal, from August 30 to 31.

BSS/ASG/TA/BR/1830