Rohingya: Betrayed from Within and Without

Bangladesh’s Betrayal and Rohingya Leadership Disarray

Rohingya refugee struggling to secure his makeshift shelter during a storm. Image by Anon.

Bangladesh's portrayal as a humanitarian saviour for the Rohingya is a facade. Beneath the surface, the country's actions reveal a strategy of exploitation and control. Forced relocations to Bhasan Char and the use of militant groups like Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) and Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO) to suppress dissent show a blatant betrayal, turning the promise of refuge into a mechanism for subjugation and coercion.

Compounding this betrayal is the abysmal failure of Rohingya leadership. Mired in disunity and ineffectiveness, these leaders have allowed the Rohingya cause to be hijacked by both Bangladeshi and Myanmar military interests. Instead of advocating for their people's rights, they have become pawns in geopolitical games, leaving the community vulnerable and voiceless.

The narrative of Bangladesh as a protector is a gross misrepresentation. The reality is one of exploitation, manipulation, and failed leadership, which has subverted the Rohingya struggle for justice and dignity. This dual betrayal demands urgent scrutiny by Rohingya in the refugee camps and in Myanmar.

Read my Opinion piece on the DVB (English) site.