Bangladesh: Rohingya's protest for 'justice' on anniversary of military crackdown
Thousands of Rohingya refugees staged protests in Bangladesh for "justice" today on the first anniversary of a Myanmar military crackdown that forced them to flee to camps in Bangladesh. About 700,000 of the Muslim minority poured across the border after attacks by the Myanmar military and Buddhist groups that the United Nations has likened to ethnic cleansing. Here are more details.
Thousands held peaceful marches and attended rallies
Thousands held peaceful marches and attended rallies chanting "We want justice from the UN". At the Kutupalong camp, a giant banner proclaimed: "Never Again: Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day. 25 August 2018." Some wore bandanas emblazoned with the slogan "Save Rohingya" while others waved flags. Other marches and gatherings were planned across what has become the world's biggest refugee camp, activists said.
Rohingya militants staged attacks on Myanmar police posts last year
Rohingya militants staged attacks on Myanmar police posts on August 25, 2017, sparking the crackdown in which an unknown number of Rohingya were killed. Myanmar authorities have insisted their forces only targeted radicals. They've made an agreement with Bangladesh to take back refugees but no progress has been made on returns and Rohingya insist they won't go back unless their safety is guaranteed.
We're sad because we aren't in our native land: Protester
Mohammad Hossain, a 40-year-old protester at Kutupalong, said, "We're here to remember August 25. We want them to recognize us as Rohingya. We're very sad because we are not in our native land. Everyone wants justice. We are complaining about this to the world."
