Abdul Aziz

Dhaka Tribune, August 25, 2023

Rohingyas held peaceful rallies demanding justice forgenocide in Myanmar in 2017 and five-point demands including dignifiedrepatriation with full civil rights in their own homes.

Rohingya leaders said that the gathering was held separatelyin the rain in four camps of Ukhiya and Teknaf from 10:30am-12:30pm on Friday.

The gatherings aimed to vocalize a spectrum of concerns,such as expeditious repatriation to Myanmar, the acknowledgement of theirethnic identity, the establishment of a secure zone for Rohingyas withinMyanmar, the restoration of their homes, and the assurance of civil libertiesin the Rakhine State.

Designating August 25 as Genocide and Black Day, theRohingyas held a collective desire to return to their homeland, Arakan inMyanmar, and to secure justice for the atrocities inflicted upon them.

Under the rallying theme of "Go Back Home,"Rohingya community leaders from various camps and blocks articulated theirmultifaceted demands, all united by a single call – "We wantjustice."

Gatherings took place in Ukhiya’s Kutupalong, Jamtali ofPalangkhali, Maynarghona, and Leda camp in Teknaf.

Within these rallies, they called for a just trial for the2017 killings and assaults, immediate repatriation of Rohingyas with unwaveringdignity, the restoration of civil rights, the repeal of the Myanmar CitizenshipAct of 1982, the reclamation of their Rakhine homes, and the creation of aprotected zone for Rohingyas within Myanmar.

The international community, including the United Nations,was earnestly urged to translate these demands into action. The Rohingyasexpressed gratitude to the Bangladeshi government for providing them with asafe haven.

Security arrangements were bolstered by the Armed PoliceBattalion (APBn), district police, and other law enforcement agencies, ensuringorder and safety during these gatherings.

The rallies mark the anniversary of the Rohingyas' departurefrom their homeland on August 25, 2017. This exodus followed immensepersecution and genocide within Myanmar's Rakhine state.

The first significant rally was held on August 25, 2019,within the camp, under the leadership of Master Muhibullah. He was laterassassinated by members of the Myanmar group Arsa.

Caption: TheRohingyas hold a peaceful rally demanding justice for the genocide in Myanmarin 2017 and five-point demands including dignified repatriation with full civilrights in their own homes in Cox’s Bazar on Friday, August 25, 2023. Photo:Dhaka Tribune