Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed speaks to DOT :
We need to investigate as to how the Rohingyas could obtain passports and visas for going to Saudi Arabia. The culprits behind the illegal act should be brought to book.
We have heard earlier that the Rohingyas are going abroad with Bangladeshi passports. If so, the Saudi government will claim that the Rohingyas came with fake visas and they have no legal citizenship. It is the responsibility of Bangladesh embassy to find out the people behind taking the Rohingyas abroad. Apart from that a heart-to-heart talk with Saudi government is essential.
Although the Rohingyas went to Saudi Arabia illegally, Bangladesh government should hold a heart-to-heart talk with its counterpart about providing shelter to them.
The Saudi government wants to send back 300 Rohingyas. However, it will not be a solution to the problem by sending them back to Bangladesh.
Upon request, Saudi government will definitely keep the Rohingyas as Bangladesh government has forged a warm relation with its counterpart.
Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed is a Professor of International Relations, DU
Interviewed by Khairul Alam, translated by Hossen Sohel