Dhaka, June 23 (UNB) – Law Minister Shafique Ahmed on Saturday said there is no apprehension of deteriorating Bangladesh’s relations with Myanmar over the pushback of Rohingyas fleeing sectarian violence in the neighbouring country.

“Rohingyas are citizens of Myanmar. Measures should be taken so that they can stay in their own land,” he said while talking to journalists after attending a seminar.

The Law Minister said human rights or any other organisations should play their due role so that every citizen can stay in his/her own country.

He said a certain community in Myanmar is persecuting the Rohingyas. “The Myanmar government should take action against the oppressors.”

Earlier, Shafique spoke at a seminar titled ‘Verdict of International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea for Settling Bangladesh-Myanmar Maritime Boundary Dispute: A Significant Example of Sea Law’ at the National Planning and Development Academy.

Law Commission organised the seminar.       

Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni, State Minister for Law Quamrul Islam and National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Chairman Prof Dr Mizanur Rahman, among others, addressed the seminar with acting chairman of Law Commission Dr M Shah Alam in the chair.

The Law Minister said verdict in favour of Bangladesh in maritime boundary dispute with Myanmar ensured the country’s rights to sea resources.

He expressed the hope that this verdict would also help settle maritime boundary disputes with India.

Posing a question, the NHRC Chairman said why the international organisations are not pressurising the Myanmar government to solve the Rohingya problem.