Bangladesh needs to redouble its diplomatic efforts and take leadership in an urgent manner to address Rohingya situation, particularly for a long term political solution, as it might put Bangladesh in multidimensional security risks, experts say, reports UNB. They think India and China also have crucial role to play to put pressure on Myanmar to resolve the crisis and keep the region peaceful addressing security risks.

“It is good to see that Bangladesh has started to make some contacts with global and regional powers but these efforts need to be robust and urgent,” Dr Ali Riaz, a Professor at the Department of Politics and Government, Illinois State University, USA, told UNB after news emerged that Bangladesh is working with a number of countries to bring a peaceful solution to the present crisis.

Strategic interests and economic considerations, he thinks, appear to be the determinant of the policies of China, India and others. “But this policy may turn out to be counterproductive, if the humanitarian crisis is not addressed immediately and long term solutions are not found,” said the analyst.

International community, Professor Riaz said, must understand it is not a Bangladeshi problem but a regional issue with implications beyond the region. “It’s imperative to address the plight of the Rohingyas for their sake, for the sake of humanity and for regional peace and security.”

“The current situation, particularly the hopelessness and inaction of the international community, has the potential for radicalization of those who have lost everything,” said Professor Riaz. “Myanmar and his supporters including India must take note of it.” Talking to UNB, Security Analyst Major General (Retd) Abdur Rashid said they are witnessing a relatively stronger role from the international community this time.

“It’s Myanmar’s problem but we are affected. Bangladesh, on humanitarian ground, gave shelter to Rohingyas though this huge number of new arrivals is creating various types of security risks for Bangladesh,” he said.

Explaining security risks that Bangladesh might face, Maj Gen Rashid said terrorists and militants groups from home and abroad might recruit Rohingya people as these people who have lost everything can easily be influenced to take the wrong path.

He also listed social instability in the areas where Rohingyas took shelter, environmental risk as they are destroying forests for their shelters and the pressure on the society as economic opportunities for locals will get shrink that will ultimately create instability in the society.

Maj Gen Rashid also mentioned that Rohingya people might get involved in drug peddling, join hands with local robbers and human traffickers creating problems for Bangladesh.

“Taking all these risks, Bangladesh gave them shelter on humanitarian ground. Bangladesh will try to send them back early as possible to avert the risks. I think Bangladesh’s diplomacy is walking on that front,” he explained.

The analyst thinks India and China have significant influence over Myanmar and these two countries must come forward to address the issue in a peaceful manner.

“India must come forward willingly as if there is instability in Bangladesh it will not spare India’s Northeast,” Maj Gen Rashid said adding that China needs to be directed towards humanity though it has long been “blindly” supporting Myanmar.

He said China seems to have softened its position recently and Bangladesh, India, Myanmar and China must work together to reach a sustainable solution to Rohingya crisis.

Prof Ali Riaz said it appears that the international community has finally started to move for addressing the plight of the Rohingyas in Myanmar and the refugees who crossed to Bangladesh.

The resolution passed by the European Parliament on Thursday expressing deep concern and the US condemnation of violence are indicative of the movement, he explained.

Over 270000 Rohingyas entered Bangladesh since August 25 while the figure might touch 300000 mark within next couple of weeks.

The questions are whether the current international diplomatic efforts will bear any fruits and whether the help will come soon enough for millions inside and outside Myanmar, said Prof Ali Riaz. “Unfortunately, the sense of urgency is missing in these efforts.”