Leaders of Sushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Shujan) yesterday (Thursday) urged the international community, including the United Nations, to continue to put pressure on the Myanmarese government to stop the mass killing and persecution of Rohingyas in Myanmar's Rakhine State.
 In a written statement, Prof. CR Abrar of Dhaka University said: “The Myanmar government is now involved in ethnic killings in North Arakan. They are indiscriminately firing on Rohingyas, charging bayonets and using helicopter gunships.”
 Mentioning the report of Human Rights Watch, Abrar said they have seen images of houses being burnt down on a stretch of 100 metres at 10 spots of Maungdaw and Rathedaung areas.
 The observation came at a press conference on "Rohingya Problems: A Human Issue" at Dhaka Reporters' Unity in the capital.
 “Several thousand Rohingya people have become victims of killing, rape and persecution by the Myanmarese Army and their associates. Thousands of Rohingyas are becoming refugees after crossing international borders to get rid of the situation. About 1.74 lakh Rohingyas have entered Bangladesh and a huge number of them are waiting to enter,” said Abrar.
 “The local and international media are showing pictures of the Rohingyas, especially women, children, old people and physically challenged persons, who are fleeing the persecution. These people are weak and emaciate and hungry,” he added.
 SHUJAN leaders placed several demands, including continuous pressure on the Myanmarese government to stop the persecution and urging neighbouring countries to take initiatives to solve the problem. The demands also included that the Bangladesh government should withdraw the proposal of conducting joint operations with Myanmar, it should ensure food and shelter for Rohingyas, take steps for the return of the refugees to their country, and increase diplomatic efforts so that the Rohingyas get back their citizenship.
 SHUJAN secretary Badiul Alam Majumder said: “It's not a political issue. It is a human disaster. We can't remain silent as human beings. We want a permanent and sustainable solution of the problem.”
 Columnist Abul Maksud said: “We have given shelter to five or six lakh Rohingyas. It’s a humane aspect. But the Bangladesh and Myanmarese governments cannot solve the matter by themselves. The neighbouring countries have to come forward. We need to review our foreign policy. We're not weak. We've to tell others that we can give a proper reply.”
 SHUJAN executive member Dr Tofail Ahmed said: “At least six lakh people have entered Cox’s Bazar. It's difficult to give shelter to such a huge number of people. The situation has taken a serious turn. It may spell disaster for us.”