Bangladesh’s Muhammad Yunus Calls for Safe Return of Rohingyas at UN Assembly
New York [US], September 28: Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor to the interim Bangladesh government, spoke at the United Nations General Assembly, emphasizing the need for Rohingyas to return to their homeland, Rakhine in Myanmar, with security and rights. He highlighted Bangladesh’s commitment to working with the international community to ensure their safe return.
Yunus stated, “There is a need to pave the way for the Rohingyas to return to their homeland – Rakhine – with adequate security and rights. Keeping in mind the ever-changing situation in Myanmar, Bangladesh is ready to work with the international community to create an environment for dignified and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas to their country.”
He also mentioned the interim government’s goals of rebuilding the country, correcting past mistakes, and establishing a strong economy and just society. Yunus reaffirmed Bangladesh’s dedication to protecting fundamental human rights, including freedom of speech, assembly, and fair elections.
“We are determined to uphold and protect the fundamental rights of people. It is our mission that the people of our country will speak freely, assemble without fear, vote and elect the people of their choice,” Yunus said. He also emphasized the importance of an independent judiciary and free media.
Yunus reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to global cooperation and active participation in international agreements and multilateral structures, including the United Nations. He stressed the importance of maintaining friendly relations with all countries based on mutual respect and dignity.
The Rohingyas, a mostly Muslim minority in Myanmar, have faced significant prejudice and conflict. A military crackdown in Myanmar in 2017 forced at least 750,000 Rohingyas to flee to Bangladesh. This crackdown is the subject of a ‘genocide’ case at the International Court of Justice. Recently, thousands more Rohingyas fled to Bangladesh due to escalating conflict in Myanmar’s Rakhine state.
Bangladesh has experienced significant political turmoil, including the ouster of Sheikh Hasina amid student protests and the establishment of an interim government led by Yunus, who was sworn in on August 8.
Doubts Revealed
Muhammad Yunus -: Muhammad Yunus is a famous person from Bangladesh who won the Nobel Peace Prize for helping poor people with small loans. He is now helping the government.
Rohingyas -: Rohingyas are a group of people from Myanmar who have faced a lot of problems and had to leave their homes. Many of them went to Bangladesh to stay safe.
UN General Assembly -: The UN General Assembly is a big meeting where countries from all over the world come together to talk about important issues and find solutions.
interim Bangladesh government -: An interim government is a temporary government set up to manage the country until a new, permanent government is chosen.
Sheikh Hasina -: Sheikh Hasina is a leader in Bangladesh who was the Prime Minister before being removed from her position.