Government falls into Myanmar’s trap: BNP

Accusing the government of adopting a knee-jerk foreign policy over Rohingya issue, BNP on Thursday said the government has got caught in Myanmar's trap, reports UNB.

“The government still didn’t rebuke Myanmar or issue any statement accusing Myanmar of carrying out genocide and ethnic cleansing, killing and repression,” said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

Speaking at a discussion, he further said, “They (govt) are repeatedly requesting (Myanmar) to take them (Rohingyas) back. The agreement they signed is not worth the paper it is written on. They’re doing whatever Myanmar is asking them to do as it got trapped by the (neighbouring) country.”

Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (Jasas) arranged the programme at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the 43rd death anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.

Fakhrul alleged that no influential country is in favour of Bangladesh regarding Rohingya problem due to the government’s diplomatic failure.

“China, Russia, India and Japan all are favouring Myanmar. So, who is on  Bangladesh’s side? What did you do in the last two years? You’re saying your friendly ties with China and India are at the highest level. But what did the friends do?” he quipped.

The BNP leader criticised Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader for blaming BNP for the Rohingya crisis, saying he made the comment out of nervousness.

“It seems Obaidul Quader is now embarrassed and nervous. His assertion involving BNP with Rohingya problem makes me laugh,” he said.

Fakhrul said though Awami League has failed to initiate the repatriation of Rohingya, their party-led governments in 1978 and 1992 sent Rohingyas back to Myanmar.