Former Foreign Minister M Morshed Khan has expressed his displeasure over the government’s apparent unwillingness to forge a national unity regarding the Rohingya crisis, which is ‘very important during such situation’. He also criticised the government handling of the issue, especially its failure to secure support of important and influential countries like China, Russia and India. “It seems to me that at the onset, the government did not attach the importance to the crisis as needed. Failure to secure support from China, Russia and India, which have influence over Myanmar, is the example of poor handling of the issue,” Khan said in an exclusive interview with The Independent at his residence in Dhaka recently on the ongoing Rohingya crisis.

“We have simply allowed ourselves to lose geopolitical importance to these countries. The government says India is our best friend. Does it reflect in the activities of our neighbor?” he questioned.

“In my entire political career, I haven’t seen Bangladesh so isolated in the region. Yes, it is getting support from the Europeans and Americans, but support from the neighbours is very important,” he added.

The government lacked boldness in dealing with the issue, the former foreign minister said, referring to the violation of Bangladesh air space by Myanmar aircraft.

“Like most of the people, I also don’t want war. But, I would have given them a strong letter letting them (Myanmar) know that if you don’t stop this, you will face consequences,” he added.

Khan, also a senior BNP leader, was also critical of the

foreign ministry he led from 2001 till 2006 for its ‘lackluster performance’.

“Now, I found out that foreign ministry is a ministry that has  

no specific job. Everyone but the foreign minister is speaking on the issue. The foreign ministry should be the one, which should speak on behalf of the government,” he said. Stressing the need for national unity to face this crisis, the former minister said that he did not see any willingness on the part of the ruling party to reach out to others to discuss the issue.

“Rising above the party politics, we have to put our heads together. National interest is bound to be compromised if you have a divided home,” he said.

To a question, the BNP leader informed that no one contacted him as a former foreign minister of the country.

“I suggest the government use all the resources at its disposal to attract world attention. They can dispatch group of intellectuals, former diplomats, academicians and civil society to different countries to highlight the issue,” he said. “By any means, the issue must be kept alive in the international domain,’ he added. If this issue lingers, these Rohingya camps will be a breeding ground of extremism and terrorism, said Khan. And, he added, it will be very dangerous not only for Bangladesh, Myanmar and the region, but also for the whole world.

Mentioning the repatriation of almost all Rohingyas during his tenure, the ex-foreign minister said that vigorous bilateral as well as multilateral efforts should be maintained to resolve the issue.

“I brought all the issues on the table. Myanmar is our neighbour. And, you cannot change your neighbours. Therefore, an environment has to be created so that the neighbours work together for the peace and prosperity of all. I had to have good relations with Myanmar,” he concluded.