'Fundamentalists use Rohinga refugees for evil designs'

The discussion titled 'Free Aung San Suu Kyi' was organised by South Asian Peoples' Union Against Fundamentalism and Communalism at Bangladesh Institute of Law and International Affairs (Bilia) auditorium in the city.

The speakers said under the military rule, the people of Myanmar are now subjected to worst political repression and their basic human rights are violated nakedly.

They urged the people of Bangladesh to extend moral support to their Myanmar brethren in restoring democracy for which Bangladeshis had fought against anti-democratic and fundamentalist forces.

The speakers also expressed solidarity with the struggling people of Myanmar.

Union General Secretary Shahrier Kabir in his keynote paper said there are 2.5 lakh Rohinga refugees at present in Bangladesh and they are being used by Jamaat-e-Islami for its evil purposes.

Hamida Hossain of Ain O Salish Kendro criticised the role of international community for not being vocal in restoring democracy in Myanmar.

Underscoring the need for democracy in Myanmar, Justice Golam Rabbani said even the worst form of democracy is better than the most benevolent type of military rule.

Citing common experience of both Bangladesh and Myanmar people in the movements against British colonial rule, Union President Kabir Chowdhury called for active role in the ongoing movement for democracy in Myanmar.

Communist Party of Bangladesh President Manjurul Ahsan Khan, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal President Hasanul Huq Inu, Justice K M Sobhan and Waliur Rahman of Bilia also spoke on the occasion.