Rohingyas hold human chain welcoming PM's proposals at UN

Rohingyas held a human chain in Ukhiya, Cox's Bazar, demanding that the Rohingya crisis and repatriation be raised with importance at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. At that time, welcoming the five-point proposal put forward by Bangladesh's Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, they said they want an end to their long-displaced life. The Rohingyas called on the international community to take effective initiatives so they can return to their homeland, Myanmar, safely and with dignity.

The human chain was held around 12pm on Thursday, September 24, on the premises of the United Council of Rohingya's office at Balukhali Rohingya Camp No. 15 in Ukhiya. A large number of Rohingyas, including leaders and activists of various levels of the organisation, participated in it.

Speakers at the human chain welcomed the initiative to highlight the Rohingya crisis on behalf of Bangladesh at the UN General Assembly session. They said Rohingyas have been living on humanitarian assistance after leaving their homes and taking shelter in Bangladesh for nearly a decade. To end this long uncertainty, arrangements must be made for safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation.

In their view, a permanent solution to the Rohingya crisis is not possible through humanitarian assistance alone. An environment must be created in Myanmar where Rohingyas can voluntarily return to their homeland after ensuring their safety and rights. In this regard, they called on the United Nations, regional organisations and the international community to play a more effective role.

Mohammad Saiyad Ullah, a member of the United Council of Rohingya's Presidential Panel, said Rohingyas have been receiving the solidarity and humanitarian assistance of the international community for nearly a decade. Now is the time to turn that solidarity into effective action. He called on the international community to ensure the Rohingyas' right to return to their motherland, Myanmar, with dignity.

Rohingyas who participated in the human chain also spoke about their long wait. They said they have been living in uncertainty in the camps year after year. They want to return to their country safely and with dignity. For this, they want not just assurances but effective international initiatives capable of starting repatriation.

United Council of Rohingya leaders, including Master Jahangir Alam, Maulvi Saiyad Ullah, Master Kin Mong Rofik, Master Shoaib and Sajeda Begum, spoke at the human chain.