Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has appealed to the international community to work sincerely, instead of paying "lip service" for repatriation of the Rohingyas who have become frustrated.
"There are 1.1 million Rohingyas in camps in Bangladesh. The majority of them are girls and women. It's time for the world leaders to come forward to help repatriate and reintegrate them in Rakhine and give them a future," he said yesterday.
The minister was addressing an event titled "Women in Diplomacy: How are We Doing?" at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital, marking the International Women's Day. It was organised by the Diplomatic Correspondents' Association of Bangladesh (DCAB) with the support of the Bangabandhu Research Centre for Foreign Policy and Diplomacy.
UN Resident Coordinator Mia Seppo, Swiss Ambassador to Bangladesh Nathalie Chuard, Swedish Ambassador Alexandra Berg von Linde, Maldives High Commissioner Shiruzimath Sameer, Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, foreign ministry officials and DCAB leaders were present.
Momen said that while Myanmar has been committing gross violations of human rights, some countries that advocate human rights are doing business with Myanmar and the volume of their trade is increasing.
"Imposing sanctions on some generals will not work… the international community should go to Rakhine and ask Myanmar to create conducive conditions in Rakhine."
The global community's focus must be on Myanmar, not on whether the Rohingyas are sheltered in Kutupalong or Bhasan Char.
"If they [Rohingyas] stay here for long, there are possibilities of development of pockets of radicalisation. I appeal to all -- no lip service please... We should be more sensitive to Rohingya women," he said.
Momen highlighted the progress made in women empowerment in Bangladesh. About 30 percent of the foreign ministry officials are now female. Presently, there are eight female Bangladeshi ambassadors in different countries.
In response to DCAB member Israt Zahan Urmi's comment in her keynote speech that many of the Bangladeshi female migrants working abroad, especially in the Middle East, face physical, mental and sexual abuses, Momen said the government was working for reducing such cases.
He said some women rights groups had demanded stopping migration of women as domestic workers to Saudi Arabia. The demand is contrary to the principle of gender equality.
"All have the right to mobility. Our constitution does not discriminate. However, if there are abuses, it is our responsibility to address it," Momen said.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen said torture of female domestic workers is a serious problem that must be addressed.
The ministry now has a policy to send more female envoys to the Middle East countries so that they can work better to protect the rights of female migrant workers.
Masud suggested changing the mindset of men intreating women colleagues in workplaces. There must be a culture of respect for women everywhere, he added.
UN Resident Coordinator Mia Seppo said women have special capabilities in peace-making. When they are involved in signing deals or negotiations, they have better chance of making peace due to their natural capacity to listen and speak with empathy.
"Gender equality is beneficial for both men and women," she noted.
DCAB honoured Mashfee Binte Shams, the first woman secretary at the foreign ministry, with a crest at the event. DCAB President Pantho Rahman and its General Secretary AKM Moinuddin, among others, spoke.
