Bangladesh and Myanmar have signed a bilateral agreement to repatriate Rohingya refugees who fled Myanmar due to violence and persecution in 2017. The agreement has been highly criticized by human rights organizations who believe that it is not safe for the Rohingya to return to Myanmar. The agreement does not address the root causes of the crisis, such as citizenship rights for the Rohingya.

The Rohingya, a Muslim minority group, have suffered decades of discrimination in Myanmar, where they are denied citizenship and face restrictions on their movement and access to basic services. In August 2017, violence erupted in Rakhine state, leading to a mass exodus of Rohingya to neighboring Bangladesh. Since then, more than 700,000 Rohingya refugees have fled to Bangladesh, making it the largest refugee camp in the world.

The bilateral agreement, signed in November 2017, aims to create a framework for the voluntary and safe return of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar. However, the agreement fails to address the root causes of the refugee crisis, such as the denial of citizenship and basic rights to the Rohingya.

Human rights organizations have criticized the agreement, stating that it is not safe for the Rohingya to return to Myanmar. The United Nations has described the situation in Rakhine state as a “textbook example of ethnic cleansing.” The Rohingya face ongoing violence and persecution, and many fear for their safety and security if they return to Myanmar.

Furthermore, the agreement does not involve the Rohingya themselves in the decision-making process. The UN has called for a consultation with the Rohingya to ensure that their views and concerns are taken into account.

The bilateral agreement between Bangladesh and Myanmar is a step towards addressing the refugee crisis, but it falls short in addressing the root causes of the crisis. The situation in Myanmar must be addressed to ensure the safety and security of the Rohingya, and their basic rights, including citizenship, must be recognized. The international community must work together to find a long-term solution to the crisis and protect the rights of the Rohingya.