A network of local CSOs and NGOs in Cox’s Bazar to promote a human and gender responsive society through positive engagement with government.

Dhaka 19 June 2018: Today members of different civil society organizations stood in front of the National Press Club, Topkhana Road, Dhaka demanding the quick repatriation of Rohingya Refugees with Human Dignity and rights on the eve of the World Refugee Day. The participants said, we must be able to condemn the Myanmar Junta for the crime against humanity and bring them under international criminal court.
The Human Chain was jointly called by COAST Trust and CCNF (Cox’s Bazar CSO NGO Forum) and speakers include AHM Bazlur Rahman, CEO of BNNRC (Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication), Khandakar Abdus Salam of Jatio Shramin Nirapotta Jote, ASM Badrul Alam of Bangladesh Krishok Federation, Jayed Iqbal Khan of Bangladesh Krishok Federation (JI), Barkat Ullah Maruf and Iqbal Hossain of COAST Trust. The event was moderated by Mustafa Kamal Akanda of COAST Trust.
AHM Bazlur Rahman said in his speech, the refugees have right to work. 1 million rohingya refugee could be a large work force with their potential productivity. But they are sitting idle that creates a risk to be involved in unexpected activities that can deteriorate the law and order situation. He also said, unless we understand how inhuman the situation is, it is really difficult to raise voice for them.
Khandakar Abdus Salam said in his speech that, there are two hundred thousand Rohingya families and every year there will be nearly 80 thousand new born babies. How can we bear this extra burden of refugees? Neither Bangladesh government nor the Rohingya refugees are responsible for this situation. It is solely the Myanmar Junta who should be condemned by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and punished.
ASM Badrul Alam of BKF said, there are 68 million refugees in the world right now. We wonder what the governments of different countries doing for this. He added, UN Refugee Agency have launched a petition for the refugees and urged the governments must work together and do their fair share for the refugees.
Barkat Ullah Maruf, Assistant Director of COAST Trust said, Refugees are not the problem, but the problem is the war and hatred that forced the people to leave their home. This is a crime against humanity as this has thrown the women and children to death. We must push forward with all of effort to arrange quickest repatriation so that the refugees can get back to their home with dignity and all rights.
During moderation, Mustafa Kamal Akanda, Assistant Director of COAST Trust said, we are thankful to the government of Bangladesh for giving shelter, food and health services to the Rohingya Refugees. Now it is time to do something for their safe and rightful repatriation.
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