The DailyStar (Bangladesh) , August 17/ 2024

At least 255 organisations have urged the interim governmentof Bangladesh to work together with the National Unity Government (NUG) ofMyanmar and other democratic forces in the Arakan region to find the bestsolutions for the Rohingyas.

In an open letter, they extended deep gratitude toBangladesh for providing humanitarian assistance and shelter to the Rohingyas.

They also urged the interim government to collaborate withthem in support of democratic and human rights movements in Myanmar.

"In the struggle to eradicate all forms of autocraticgovernments, including military regimes, and in the pursuit of establishing afederal state, we also anticipate that the people of Bangladesh and theiremerging leadership will fully support and stand in solidarity with the peopleof Myanmar," read the joint letter issued yesterday (Friday).

The letter from Myanmar Revolution Forces is signed by 255organisations representing Myanmar's revolution and civil society forces.

Of them, 77 organisations have chosen not to disclose theirnames due to security reasons and the junta's ongoing violence in Myanmar.

Myanmar has been embroiled in a civil war since the militarytook control of the country through a coup in February 2021. Alongside theNational Unity Government and its armed wing Peoples' Defence Force, numerousethnic armed groups are fighting the Myanmar military.

A large part of Myanmar is now under the control of the NUGand ethnic armed groups.

Facing persecution, more than a million Rohingyas fledMyanmar to Bangladesh. Now, withthe fighting in Rakhine state, Bangladesh's efforts of Rohingya repatriationface more challenges.

They commended the efforts of student and youth groups, aswell as the broader public in Bangladesh, for their persistent efforts that ledto the fall of Sheikh Hasina.

"This achievement marks a significant step forward, andwe celebrate their unwavering commitment to the promotion of fundamental rightsand democratic values," they added.

They expressed hope that the interim government led by DrMuhammad Yunus will successfully fulfil its role during this criticaltransition period.

"We draw significant lessons from the non-violentmovements of students, labourers, farmers and the public in both Myanmar andBangladesh, as well as from the balanced actions of armed resistance groups intheir struggles for democracy, human rights, and liberation."

Some of the signatories to the letter include the ActionCommittee for Democracy Development, Action Committee of Basic EducationStudents, All Arakan Youth Organizations Network, All Aung Myay Thar SanSchools Strike Force, All Burma Federation of Student Unions, Alliance forDemocracy in Myanmar, Alliance of Students' Union – Yangon, Anti-Coup ForcesCoordination Committee etc.

Basic Education Worker Unions, Blood Money Campaign, BurmaCivil War Museum, Burma Human Rights Network, Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK,CDM Medical Network and Free Rohingya Coalition also signed it.