by Hafizur Rahman
Bangladesh’s embassy in The Hague hosted a diplomatic exchange during the ongoing merits hearings at the International Court of Justice in the genocide case filed by The Gambia against Myanmar, bringing together Rohingya victims, legal experts, and international stakeholders to discuss justice and accountability.
The programme was held on Tuesday evening, 27 January 2026, at the Embassy of Bangladesh and was conducted by Md Hasan Abdullah Towhid, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of Bangladesh. Participants included members of The Gambia’s legal team, a Rohingya victim delegation, diplomats, international legal experts, and representatives of international organizations.
Focus on justice and accountability
Discussions at the event centred on justice, accountability, reparations, and long-term solutions for the Rohingya people within the framework of the ICJ case. Speakers highlighted the importance of international legal mechanisms in addressing serious crimes committed against the Rohingya in Myanmar.
Rohingya survivors of the 2017 violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine State participated in the programme. The delegation included Rohingya men, women, and Hijra individuals currently living in refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar. They shared personal testimonies and stressed the need for justice, dignity, and equal rights for victims.
Documentary screening and expert dialogue
A short documentary titled From Atrocities to Survival: Justice Journey of Rohingya Victims was screened during the event, followed by an open discussion between Rohingya representatives and international legal experts.
Antonia Mulvey, Founder and Executive Director of Legal Action Worldwide, spoke about the expectations of victims from the ICJ process and underlined the importance of international justice for survivors of mass atrocities.
Members of The Gambia’s legal team briefed participants on the current stage of the case. M Arsalan Suleman explained how the proceedings are progressing, while Paul S Reichler outlined the legal arguments and remedies being sought under the Genocide Convention.
Statements from Bangladesh and The Gambia
Md Kamruzzaman, Director General of the Myanmar Wing at Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Bangladesh remains committed to addressing the Rohingya crisis. He noted that Bangladesh continues to host more than 1.2 million Rohingya refugees and reiterated calls for their safe and early return to Myanmar, along with justice for crimes committed against them.
The programme concluded with remarks from Dawda Jallow, Attorney General and Minister of Justice of The Gambia. He reaffirmed The Gambia’s determination to pursue justice for the Rohingya people through international law and emphasised the need for sustained global support.
The diplomatic exchange reflected the shared position of Bangladesh, The Gambia, and international partners in supporting Rohingya victims and pursuing accountability for genocide and related crimes through lawful international processes.
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