by Ro Maung Shwe
Bangladesh has issued a strong political and legal rebuttal to Myanmar’s statements at the International Court of Justice, firmly rejecting the portrayal of the Rohingya people as “Bengalis” and warning that such language amounts to identity denial with serious human rights consequences.
The statement, released on 23 January by the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs, came amid ongoing ICJ hearings in the genocide case filed by The Gambia against Myanmar over the military’s actions against the Rohingya in 2016 and 2017.
Bangladesh rejects identity denial
Bangladesh described Myanmar’s continued use of the term “Bengalis” as a deliberate distortion intended to deny the Rohingya’s right to self-identification and to justify their exclusion and persecution.
In its statement, the Foreign Ministry said the systematic labeling of Rohingya as “Bengalis” has historically been used to portray them as illegal migrants or security threats, a narrative that Dhaka said was central to the violence and mass displacement carried out during the 2016–17 military operations.
The government stressed that identity denial is not a neutral description, but a political tool that has enabled discrimination, ethnic cleansing, and forced displacement.
Historical roots in Arakan
Bangladesh reaffirmed that the Rohingya are a distinct ethnic group with centuries-old roots in Arakan, now known as Rakhine State. According to the statement, historical records, colonial-era data, and independent academic research all confirm Rohingya presence in the region long before the creation of modern borders.
The Foreign Ministry also noted that the name “Rohingya” derives from “Rohang,” an old name for Arakan, and has long been used by the community for self-identification.
Citizenship and exclusion
The statement highlighted Myanmar’s long history of institutional discrimination against the Rohingya, particularly following the 1982 Citizenship Law, which stripped the community of citizenship on ethno-religious grounds.
Despite this exclusion, Rohingya continued to participate in Myanmar’s political and social life until they were fully disenfranchised ahead of the 2015 elections.
Bangladesh also recalled that Myanmar itself had recognised Rohingya as “lawful residents of Burma” in a 1978 bilateral repatriation agreement, as well as in subsequent arrangements, commitments that sharply contradict Myanmar’s current position at the ICJ.
Human rights and accountability concerns
International human rights organisations have long warned that portraying Rohingya as outsiders laid the groundwork for widespread abuses.
Fortify Rights has stated that denying freedom of movement while blocking access to life-saving aid can amount to genocidal conduct, calling for international accountability for ongoing abuses against Rohingya and Kaman Muslims in Rakhine State.
Amnesty International has also emphasised the need for accountability, noting that the International Criminal Court prosecutor has sought an arrest warrant for Myanmar’s military leader Min Aung Hlaing, while warning that impunity continues to fuel further violations.
The Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar has said that more than one million Rohingya will not be able to return safely or sustainably until violence ends and perpetrators are brought to justice.
A political signal beyond diplomacy
Observers say Bangladesh’s statement goes beyond routine diplomatic language. By directly challenging identity denial at the ICJ, Dhaka has positioned itself not only as a host country for refugees, but also as a political actor defending historical truth, human dignity, and international law.
As the genocide case continues in The Hague, Bangladesh’s response underscores that the question of Rohingya identity is not symbolic. It lies at the heart of accountability, reparations, and any possibility of safe, voluntary, and dignified return.
