State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam on Monday indicated that Myanmar’s top 20 individuals, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, might face legal music and even arrest on foreign lands if the verdicts from two international courts –ICC and ICJ - demand so.

“This kind of incidents happened in the world,” he said apparently explaining why and how the Myanmar is not out of the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and International Court of Justice (ICJ) though it is not a party to the Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the ICC.

Shahriar said though Myanmar is not a signatory to the Rome Statute, other countries which are parties to the ICC and ICJ have a responsibility to follow the verdicts that will come from these two top courts on Rohingya issue.

“If the verdicts name top 20 individuals of Myanmar – Suu Kyi, Myanmar’s senior general or ministers, if they visit countries like the UK and Japan and if verdicts say they’ve to be arrested, it’ll be their (foreign countries) responsibility to arrest them. This kind of incident happened in the world,” said the State Minister explaining the possible consequences.

Considering these aspects, he said, it is clearly understood where Myanmar’s position will ultimately land internationally.

That is why, Shahriar said, Myanmar in other words, is not out of the jurisdiction of the ICC and ICJ, no matter who says what.

Bangladesh is currently hosting more than 1.1 million Rohingyas. File photo/AP

The State Minister was addressing as the chief guest a roundtable discussion titled ‘Necessity of Rohingya Repatriation in the Context of Regional and Global Situation’ held at the Jatiya Press Club.

The Institute of Conflict, Law and Development Studies (ICLDS) and the daily Bhorer Kagoj jointly arranged the event with ICLDS Chairman and former Ambassador Muhammad Zamir in the chair. Bhorer Kagaj Editor Shyamal Dutta moderated the discussion.

Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain, former Ambassador Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury, former SC judge Justice AHM Shamsuddin Choudhury Manik, senior secretary at Disaster management and Relief Secretary Md Shah Kamal and Ukhiya Upazila chairman, among others, spoke at the event.

The State Minister said one thing is clear that the member countries of the ICC and ICJ who are still supporting Myanmar and will support it in the coming days will be under pressure afresh through the beginning of the processes at the ICC and ICJ on legal front against Myanmar.

“And this (progress on legal front), I think, will help Bangladesh find a solution to the Rohingya crisis in the coming days,” Shahriar said.

On November 14, pre-trial Chamber III of the International Criminal Court has authorised the Prosecutor to proceed with an investigation for the alleged crimes within the ICC’s jurisdiction committed against the Rohingya people from Myanmar.

ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said her investigation will seek to uncover the truth. “My Office will now focus on ensuring the success of its independent and impartial investigation."

Meanwhile, Suu Kyi is among several top Myanmar officials named in a case filed in Argentina for crimes against Rohingya Muslims and it shows the Nobel Laureate, for the first time, has been legally targeted over the crisis.

On November 11, Gambia filed a case at the United Nations’ highest court, accusing Myanmar of “genocide” in its campaign against its Rohingya Muslim minority.

Gambia, which filed the case on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), asked the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to urgently order measures “to stop Myanmar’s genocidal conduct immediately.”

On India and Japan’s more active role, Shahriar said the two countries over the last few of weeks directly conveyed Myanmar to resolve the Rohingya issue what they had never seen over the last two years.

Prime Minister Modi, during his meeting with Suu Kyi on the sidelines of the ASEAN-India Summit in Bangkok, conveyed the importance of speedy, safe, and sustainable” return of Rohingyas to their homes in Rakhine in the interest of people, and regions of the three  countries -- India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.

Recently, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also had a meeting with State Counsellor Suu Kyi and urged Myanmar authorities to create an environment “conducive” to the repatriation of Rohingyas to their place of origin.

“I entirely leave it to you whether you’ll see these development as a significant achievement or not,” said the State Minister referring to some criticisms over not getting China, India and Japan fully beside Bangladesh.

Referring to bilateral engagement with Myanmar, the State Minister said the government wants to remain bilaterally engaged and mentioned that Bangladesh will remain a “responsible and responsive” nation as an active UN member.

He hoped that all will realise the ground reality of the sensitive issue that might hamper Bangladesh’s growth, security and progress, and keep faith on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s decision.

The State Minister also hoped that the civil society, think thanks and experts will play a stronger role to help find a solution to the crisis.

“Government’s eyes and ears remain open and we’re aware of the risks,” he said adding that there is no overnight solution to such a crisis.

Bangladesh is hosting over 1.1 million Rohingyas and most of them entered Cox’s Bazar since August 25, 2017 amid military crackdown on Rohingyas in Rakhine State.

Not a single Rohingya was repatriated over the last two years due to Myanmar’s “failure” to build confidence among Rohingyas and lack of conducive environment in Rakhine State, officials here said.

Bangladesh has so far handed over names of over 1 lakh Rohingyas to the Myanmar authorities for verification and subsequently expediting their repatriation efforts but Myanmar is yet to take back its nationals from Bangladesh, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here.

Speakers at a discussion here on Monday laid emphasis on serious efforts from China, India and other friends of Myanmar with continued pressure on it to resolve the Rohingya crisis, or else, they say it may cause a "big trouble" to Bangladesh within the next 10 years.

They laid emphasis on continuing pressure on Myanmar to take Rohingyas back as the "time-bomb (Rohingya)" may explode anytime affecting Bangladesh and beyond.    

The Institute of Conflict, Law and Development Studies (ICLDS) and the daily Bhorer Kagoj jointly arranged the roundtable titled ‘Necessity of Rohingya Repatriation in the Context of Regional and Global Situation’ held at the Jatiya Press Club with ICLDS Chairman and former Ambassador Muhammad Zamir in the chair.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam spoke as the chief guest at the roundtable moderated by Bhorer Kagoj Editor Shyamal Dutta.

Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain, former Ambassador Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury, former SC judge Justice AHM Shamsuddin Choudhury Manik, senior secretary at Disaster management and Relief Secretary Md Shah Kamal and Ukhiya Upazila chairman, among others, spoke at the event.

“We must keep up the pressure on Myanmar. It’s a national crisis. If we can’t solve it, we’ll be in big trouble in the next 10 years,” said Sakhawat adding that everybody must contribute to that end.

He said he does not see any solution to the Rohingya crisis in “1-10 years” because Myanmar is not willing to take them back.

Sharing his 1992 experience of dealing with Rohingya issue, Sakhawat said the problem is that they do not understand Myanmar and that is why Bangladesh even goes to them for rotten onions and unfortunately those are being thrown away.

Explaining geostrategic shift, he said they need to keep it in mind that geostrategic shifts always and it is very difficult to remain in centre for Bangladesh amid India and China’s tug from both sides. 

Sakhawat urged the government to create “Rohingya voice” and take them everywhere to tell their stories of sufferings in their own voice.

Bangladesh is hosting over 1.1 million Rohingyas and most of them entered Cox’s Bazar since August 25, 2017 amid military crackdown on Rohingyas in Rakhine State.

Not a single Rohingya was repatriated over the last two years due to Myanmar’s “failure” to build confidence among Rohingyas and lack of conducive environment in Rakhine, officials here said.

Bangladesh has so far handed over names of over 1 lakh Rohingyas to the Myanmar authorities for verification and subsequently expediting their repatriation efforts but Myanmar is yet to take its nationals back from Bangladesh, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here.

Novozymes, a Danish company, is launching the ‘Livelong solution’ for the first time in Bangladesh, a market that is known for being one of the leading garment manufactures in the world.

The textile industry is one of the most polluting in the world and is under pressure to address critical environmental issues.

Novozymes’ new enzyme technology that gives the livelong effect is expected to help fill the gap and make the textile industry more sustainable, said a media release of the Danish Embassy in Dhaka on Sunday.

At a time when 61 percent of consumers are worried about climate change1, a new solution from Novozymes makes it possible for the first time to extend the life of plant-based fabrics by 20 percent, making the garments look new, wash after wash.

This Livelong effect saves substantial water, chemicals and energy by reducing textile waste.

“All textile manufacturing and brands – even with eco-friendly fibers -- have a hefty environmental impact. Brands should seriously consider the opportunity of offering consumers the sustainable choice of longer lasting garments. Because buying clothes that last longer is one of the best and easiest things that consumers can do to make an eco-friendly choice,” says Jens Kolind, vice-president at Novozymes.

Besides, viscose, modal and lyocell are made from fibers widely recognised as more sustainable than conventional cotton, which requires high levels of water and pesticides to produce.

The newer plant-based fibers are generally more sustainable, but they have not been particularly durable.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming on Sunday said China remains engaged since day one to help find a solution to the protracted Rohingya crisis.

“China’s efforts are evidenced by three rounds of informal meetings among China, Bangladesh and Myanmar at the ministerial level, and its commitment to facilitating friendly dialogues and bilateral negations between the two countries directly concerned,” said the Ambassador.

The Chinese envoy was addressing a function at the Embassy here marking the formation of a Chinese medical team to be sent to Cox’s Bazar to help the host community as well the Rohingyas, both of whom are suffering due to the prolonged crisis.

Very recently, State Councilor and Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi announced in New York that China would deploy a medical team and charity organisations in Cox’s Bazar for easing the burden on the government and the people of Bangladesh, said Ambassador Jiming.

“The team members are ready to set off for the field and do everything they can to help the people in need,” he said.

Party Secretary of Yunnan Province of China Chen Hao presented flag to the team and declared its formation.

This is the first team which will stay in Cox’s Bazar for a month while the second team will replace the current one.

“With support from Yunnan Province of China, I believe, the team will accomplish its missions at the highest possible standard,” said Ambassador Jiming.

He hoped that the Bangladesh ministries concerned would render their support to the team in the days to come. “Let’s work together to see the suffered be taken better care of and the displaced return to their home as soon as possible.”

Leader of the China medical team senior consultant of People’s Hospital of Yunnan Li Bo said they will, through their exquisite medical expertise and high medical ethics, serve the local people selflessly and fearlessly. “We’ll be the envoy of peace between China and Bangladesh.”

He said nations have borders, but medical service is boundless and they will abide by the professional ethics, spread love and friendship.

“We’ll keep in mind the spirit of China foreign aid medical team put forwarded by General Secretary Xi Jinping, which is to fear no hardship, dedicate to the mission, heal the wounded and rescue the suffered with boundless love. We’ll hold respect and fear for life, uphold the dignity of human beings, cure disease and improve the health,” Li Bo said.

He said they will keep in mind the trust of the nation and people, strictly carry out medical practice in accordance with the international norm and the spirit of China medical team in the new era.

State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr Md Enamur Rahman, additional health secretary Habibur Rahman, additional disaster management and relief secretary Md Mohsin, Deputy Secretary-General of Yunnan Province Yang Hongbo, Director-General of the Foreign Affairs Office of Yunnan Province Mme Pu Hong, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Commerce of Yunnan Province Yu Shukun, President of China Development Bank Yunnan Branch Hong Zhenghua, Executive Director of Partners in Population and Development (PPD) Adnene Ben Haj Aissa, Minister-Counselor of the Chinese Embassy Yan Hualong, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy Sun Yan and Party Secretary of CPC China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Bangladesh Office Yang Zhijun were present.

Bangladesh is hosting over 1.1 million Rohingyas and most of them entered Cox’s Bazar since August 25, 2017 amid military crackdown on Rohingyas in Rakhine State.

Not a single Rohingya was repatriated over the last two years due to Myanmar’s “failure” to build confidence among Rohingyas and lack of conducive environment in Rakhine State, officials here said.

Bangladesh has so far handed over names of over 1 lakh Rohingyas to the Myanmar authorities for verification and subsequently expediting their repatriation efforts but Myanmar is yet to take back its nationals from Bangladesh, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday joined the opening ceremony of the Dubai Airshow 2019, one of the largest aviation exhibitions in the world, and enjoyed a flying display.

The five-day airshow that began today will continue till November 21 at Dubai World Central (DWC) with the participation of some 1,300 companies from 160 countries.

Sheikh Hasina joined the opening ceremony of the 16th biennial aviation show at the invitation of Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE, and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

On her arrival at the venue, the Bangladesh Prime Minister was received by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, also the UAE Defence Minister.

The Prime Minister also enjoyed the flying display there at 2pm (local time).

Later, she attended dinner hosted by Bangladesh Ambassador to the UAE in her honour at 7:30 pm.

Sheikh Hasina arrived here on Saturday night on a four-day official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

During the five-day airshow, aircraft will take to the skies over Dubai from 2pm to 5pm every day at Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport, also known as Dubai World Central, at 10am.

More than 160 official delegations and 1,300 governmental and private companies from Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa are participating in the event that has become one of the top three airshows in the world.

The Dubai Air Show, which was launched in 1989, has turned as a global platform for the aviation industry to sell its new wares, as the public and private sectors meet to discuss new technologies, opportunities, and hurdles facing the industry.

In 2017, the last aviation exhibition drew 79,380 trade visitors from around the world, which featured 1,200 exhibitors from 63 countries and an order book in excess of $113.8 billion.