Tensions escalate in the Rohingya genocide trial at the ICJ as Bangladesh delivers a blistering takedown of Myanmar’s latest defense. Dismissing claims that label Rohingya as ‘Bengalis’ – mere illegal migrants and security threats – Dhaka vows to protect the community’s legitimate heritage.
This provocative stance, per Bangladesh, masks the ethnic cleansing horrors of 2016-17 that displaced masses into refugee camps. Rohingya origins in Rakhine stretch back centuries, with documented presence before 1785’s imperial shifts. The term ‘Rohingya,’ linked to ancient Rohang hubs, reflects a self-adopted identity distinct from Bengali norms, save minor linguistic echoes.
Embedded in Myanmar’s pre-independence life, they held citizenship until the 1982 law’s ethnic purge. Voting access lingered until 2015, followed by engineered exclusion and 2017 expulsions.
Bangladesh exposes the ‘Bengali’ label as identity denial, propping up atrocity justifications. Contradicting its own 1978 agreement acknowledging Rohingya residency, Myanmar shirks repatriation duties from 2017-18 pacts, citing phantom security woes.
The unproven tale of 500,000 Bangladeshi refugees in 1971 Rakhine stands debunked without records. Through this ICJ retort, Bangladesh champions Rohingya rights, urging global recognition of their plight and Myanmar’s obligations for safe returns and justice.