Hague Hearing: Dhaka, Washington expect good outcome

Bangladesh and the United States are expecting good results on accountability front as the second day hearing on genocide by Myanmar against Rohingyas began at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Wednesday.

"We feel proud that a country like The Gambia came forward with the case. Yesterday's hearing was a good one," he told reporters after two separate meetings with US Ambassador Earl R Miller and Japanese Ambassador to Dhaka Naoki Ito at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.    

Asked about US' feedback on the ICJ hearing, the Foreign Minister said the US Ambassador also hoped that they will have a good result and they remain engaged.

Commenting on Suu Kyi's role, Dr Momen said it is sad to see her current role and mentioned that he demonstrated on the streets several times demanding her release from jail in the past. "She was an icon of democracy and human rights. I felt hurt seeing her moral degradation."

The Foreign Minister referred the joint statement issued by Nobel peace laureates who demanded that Myanmar's State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, along with her army commanders, be held criminally accountable for crimes committed.

"As Nobel Peace laureates, we call on Aung San Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, to publicly acknowledge the crimes, including genocide, committed against the Rohingya," said the Nobel peace laureates in a joint statement.

The Foreign Minister said they firstly want Rohingyas go back to their place of origin in Rakhine State and live their lives peacefully.

He also said accountability and justice need to be ensured so that similar crimes against Rohingyas do not take place again.   

The Foreign Minister hoped that Suu Kyi will realise the fact.

Talking to reporters, the US Ambassador shared the fresh sanctions imposed on top Myanmar army men.

On Tuesday, the United States took fresh action against 18 individuals, including the Myanmar Army chief, for their roles in atrocities and other abuses.

The US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) came up with the sanctions.

Min Aung Hlaing is designated for his role as the Commander-in-Chief of the Burmese military forces, an entity that has engaged in or whose members have engaged in serious human rights abuse under his command, said a press release.

Soe Win is designated for his role as the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Burmese military forces while Than Oo is designated for being a leader of the 99th Light Infantry Division (LID).