"The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is unable to take any strong step, especially any resolution, over the Rohingya issue for lack of consensus among permanent members," he said while answering a question from Awami League MP Abdul Latif in Parliament.
The minister said the access of UN bodies and other non-governmental organisations was not allowed to Northern Rakhine which is a big hurdle to creating a congenial atmosphere for the Rohingya repatriation. “As a result, Rohingyas are showing no interest to return to their homeland.”
“The repatriation of Rohingyas is yet to begin although there’re relentless efforts of the United Nations and the international community as there remain some challenges,” he said.
Dr Momen said strong diplomatic efforts are on at the UNSC, UN General Assembly and UN Human Rights Council to resolve the Rohingya crisis. “Legal action against those involved in killing and repressing Rohingyas will play a vital role in resolving the Rohingya crisis. But Myanmar has not yet taken any satisfactory action against those involved in such crimes,” he added.
He said there is no alternative to continuing bilateral discussion with Myanmar for resolving the Rohingya crisis. “From the past experience, it can be said Myanmar shows insincerity to implement bilateral arrangements in absence of pressure from the international community,” he said, adding that it is necessary to keep mounting international pressure on the country through the United Nations.
While replying to another query from Awami League MP Ishrafil Alam, the minister said any repatriation process is a ‘complex and time-consuming’ one.
He, however, said Bangladesh and the international community have been putting pressure on Myanmar to create a congenial atmosphere in Rakhine so that the Rohingya repatriation starts soon.