by Hafizur Rahman
Bangladesh has formally rejected recent statements made by Myanmar at the International Court of Justice describing the Rohingya people as “Bengali,” calling the claim false and a distortion of history.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the use of the term “Bengali” is an attempt to deny the Rohingya’s identity and to justify the violence committed against them during the 2016 and 2017 military operations.
Bangladesh urged Myanmar to recognise the Rohingya as an integral part of its society and to ensure their safe, voluntary, and dignified return with equal rights.
Rejection of security narrative
The Foreign Ministry said Myanmar’s claim that Rohingya are illegal migrants is intended to create a misleading security narrative and divert attention from serious crimes committed against the community.
Bangladesh stressed that the Rohingya are a distinct ethnic group with deep historical roots in Arakan, now known as Rakhine State, long before the creation of modern borders. It said their presence is supported by historical records, colonial era data, and independent academic research.
The statement added that the term “Rohingya” is derived from “Rohang,” an old name for Arakan, and has long been used by the community as a form of self identification.
Citizenship and political participation
Bangladesh also noted that the Rohingya were part of Myanmar’s political and social life for decades. According to the statement, Rohingya previously held voting rights until the enactment of the 1982 Citizenship Law, which effectively excluded them from citizenship. The community was later fully disenfranchised ahead of Myanmar’s 2015 elections.
The Foreign Ministry said the 2016 and 2017 military operations forced hundreds of thousands of Rohingya to flee, leaving many stateless.
Bangladesh further reminded that Myanmar had earlier recognised Rohingya as “lawful residents of Burma” under a 1978 repatriation agreement and made similar commitments in subsequent bilateral arrangements.
Concerns over stalled repatriation
The statement said Myanmar’s failure for more than eight years to create conditions for safe return violates the 2017 and 2018 repatriation agreements and raises serious concerns about its intentions.
Bangladesh also rejected Myanmar’s claim that around half a million Bangladeshis took shelter in Rakhine State during the 1971 Liberation War, saying there is no credible evidence to support the assertion.
As hearings continue at the ICJ, Bangladesh said it expects Myanmar to act in line with international law, acknowledge the Rohingya’s identity, and take concrete steps toward accountability and durable solutions.
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