1 October 2021 – London/Yangon — In response to the assassination of Rohingya leader Mohibullah, BHRN calls on Bangladesh and its partners in the international community to take immediate measures to remedy the escalating violence in the refugee camps in Bangladesh. Mohibullah was an activist and the leader of the Arakan Society for Peace and Human Rights (ARSPH). He was one of the most respected leaders in the camps and raised the issues of the Rohingya’s plight at the highest levels. He was killed on Wednesday night 29 September while at his office in the Kutupalong refugee camp. No one has claimed responsibility for the killing, but Mohibullah’s brother, Habibullah, said he witnessed the attack and blamed the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA).
“The death of Mohibullah is a devastating loss for the Rohingya community, particularly the refugees in Bangladesh. No words can adequately address this loss, but action must be taken to prevent further tragedy from occurring in the camps. Authorities have ignored the crime and violence in the camps for too long, and it is clear now they must be addressed. In doing so we also urge restraint and diligence from the security forces so that no harm or duress is inflicted upon the innocent,”
Said BHRN’s Executive Director, Kyaw Win.
BHRN has received regular reports since 2017 of militant groups and criminal gangs maintaining a presence inside the refugee camps in Bangladesh. Their control has grown steadily and power struggles between them have often resulted in violence and death. Civilians who have opposed criminal gangs and militant groups have also found themselves to be targets of beatings, kidnappings, and assassinations.
BHRN calls on the Bangladeshi authorities to fully and thoroughly investigate the matter and to bring Mohibullah’s killers to justice. Bangladesh security forces should increase their presence in the camps but ensure the safety and freedoms of refugees. The expense and difficulty of this task should not be carried by Bangladesh alone but the international community should provide all available resources to aid them in their endeavors. If possible, countries with strong human rights records should offer instruction and training to the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure they can effectively do their jobs while preserving the rights and wellbeing of those in their care.
Organisation’s Background
BHRN is based in London and operates across Burma/Myanmar working for human rights, minority rights and religious freedom in the country. BHRN has played a crucial role in advocating for human rights and religious freedom with politicians and world leaders.
Media Enquiries
Please contact:
Kyaw Win
Executive Director
Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN)
E: kyawwin@bhrn.org.uk
T: +44(0) 740 345 2378