Dhaka: Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman today emphasized that Bangladesh's decision to shelter Rohingyas fleeing persecution in Myanmar was made solely on humanitarian grounds. "Rohingya crisis is an internal problem of Myanmar, while Bangladesh is viewing the issue from a humanitarian perspective and has extended shelter and support to the Rohingyas purely on humanitarian grounds," he stated.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the law minister made these remarks during a discussion titled "Rohingya Crisis: Current Reality and Future Course of Action," organized by the Policy Research Centre, held at the National Press Club. He urged for the Rohingya issue to be considered a matter of national unity, transcending political differences, while emphasizing that the protection of Bangladesh's territorial integrity remains the country's top priority.
Minister Asaduzzaman acknowledged the importance of the security perspective in protecting Bangladesh's territory but highlighted that the government has not overlooked the diplomatic and social dimensions of the issue. He reiterated that the government is committed to upholding human rights, ensuring no allegations of human rights violations arise against the Rohingya community, while also addressing the increasing criminal activities within the camps.
The minister clarified that while the Rohingyas are not considered part of Bangladesh's population, they are recognized as human beings with rights, culturally and ethnically indigenous to Myanmar, deserving of international legal protections. The discussion was moderated by Policy Research Centre Trustee Member Prof SK Toufiq M Haque, with former Bangladesh Ambassador to Myanmar Mohammad Sufiur Rahman presenting the keynote paper.
Policy Research Centre Executive Director Dr. Shakil Ahmed delivered the welcome address, and panelists included Prof. Dr. Ishrat Zakia Sultana from North South University, journalist Parimal Palma, Rohingya women's rights activist Razia Sultana, and Mohammad Esha Ibn Belal, a teacher at Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University.