That a joint working group has been formed to start repatriation of hundreds of thousands of Rohingyas from Bangladesh, is indeed a positive development. But many are of the opinion, nationally and internationally, that Myanmar would not take the displaced Rohingyas back, all efforts that the Myanmar authorities have so far made are not sincere and are only eyewash.

The authorities in Myanmar have repeatedly voiced their commitment for repatriation, but they have not been able to stop the gruesome violence. If they really want them back why are they forcing even more Rohingyas to flee their native land? Secondly, they have obdurately stuck to their policy of not recognising this minority Muslim population as citizens of Myanmar. A clear ethnic bias has always worked in this.

Myanmar authorities are so adamant in their attitude that they used the office of the Cardinal of their country to urge the Pope not to use the term of ‘Rohingya’ when he was visiting the country some days ago. Pope did not use the term and when after Myanmar he came to Bangladesh he invoked the name of God to describe Rohingyas and gave explanation why had not he used the term when he had been in Myanmar.

Thus it appears Myanmar’s State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, her government and the country’s military are very rigid that they would not recognize the Rohingya as their citizens. It makes the point pertinently clear that their gesture to take back Rohingya is only half-hearted. Yet we want to place hope in the joint working group that will comprise 30 members -- 15 from Bangladesh and 15 from Myanmar. After the formation of the group, we are told, from Bangladesh foreign ministry, that repatriation would began soon.

Even when this working committee was formed, the Human Rights Watch, citing analysis of satellite imagery, said Myanmar’s army burned down dozens of Rohingya homes within days of signing the repatriation deal with Bangladesh. Will not Myanmar’s authorities continue to play a double game, as they did in the past months or even years? Bangladesh must always remember this while sitting on the table with Myanmar authorities.  

Moreover, the international community under the auspices of UN should continue to press Myanmar authorities to stop violence, recognise their all genuine rights and take them back ensuring their security after the return. It would be even better  if Myanmar authorities are made accountable for all their criminal actions in the state of Rakhine.