Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) senior leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury on Tuesday urged the government to make its stance on Rohingya issue clear before the nation.

"Extreme nationalism has been instigated by creating Rohingya crisis which may destabilise the region by putting its peace and security under a serious threat. It won't bring anything good for anyone," he said.

Speaking at a discussion, he further said, "The government's stance on Rohingya problem is still not clear. I call upon the government to make its position clear and tell the nation how you want to deal with the issue."

Bangladesh Youth Forum arranged the programme titled 'Bangladesh's position on Rohingya Crisis' at National Press Club.

He said their party had successfully tackled Rohingya problem in 1978 and 1992 forcing Myanmar to take back many Rohingyas. "I urge the government to follow the examples set by Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia in facing Rohingya crisis."

Khasru, a BNP standing committee member, said their party wants to cooperate with the government in facing the Rohingya crisis as it is a national issue, not any party's one.

Khasru said the government at the initial stage prevented Rohingyas from entering country and pushed many of them back.

Later, he said, the government offered Myanmar to carry out joint operations along the border branding Rohingyas as terrorists and drug traffickers. "There's no difference between the attitude of the government and Myanmar towards Rohingyas."

The BNP leader said the government softened its stance over Rohingyas on political ground as the country's people and international community started raising voice against Rohingya persecution.

"They (govt) thought they would be affected politically if they didn't stand by Rohingyas. So, the Prime Minister went to visit Rohingya camps to make political gains not for showing humanity and morality," he observed.

Khasru said the Bangladesh government still could not seek the trial of Myanmar authorities in international court for carrying out genocide against Rohingyas as its political stance on the issue is not clear.

The BNP leader came down hard on the government for depriving hapless Rohingya of huge humanitarian assistance by obstructing their party's relief team from distributing relief among them.

He also criticised the powerful countries of the region for keeping mum on Rohingya persecution and supporting Myanmar.