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United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Operations Raouf Mazou on Monday said a political solution to the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar must be found and the United Nations (UN), led by the Secretary-General and his Special Envoy, continues to work in support of these efforts. "In order to start recreating conditions for the return of refugees, dialogue with all parties is a critical first step. Rights must be respected and, as the Secretary-General said, civilians must be protected," he said, while speaking at the ‘Stakeholders’ Dialogue’ on the Rohingya situation. Mazou, however, said much more needs to be done by a multiplicity of actors, including regional bodies and neighboring states, for peace to return to Myanmar and more specifically the Rakhine State. "The consultations we are having today, facilitated by the High Representative, are therefore essential to chart a way forward - in which the wellbeing of Rohingya refugees, particularly women, children and youths, should remain central," he said.  Country stable enough; ready for elections: Prof Yunus It prepares for the high-level conference on the situation of Rohingya and other Muslim minorities planned for September 30, 2025 during the United Nations General Assembly high-level segment. "The voluntary return in conditions of safety and dignity remains the most desirable solution and the responsibility to create the conditions for it to happen lies squarely on Myanmar," Mazou said. Eight long years have passed since 700,000 Rohingya were compelled to flee Myanmar to Bangladesh, pushed by unspeakable violence and human rights violations in Myanmar's Rakhine state. They are presently over 1.3 million in Bangladesh. In a world where the right of asylum is sometimes questioned, Mazou said Bangladesh's response has been remarkable, with local populations welcoming those in desperate need despite the difficult circumstances in which they sometimes find themselves. The international community has played its role, providing hundreds of millions of dollars to respond to the humanitarian needs of refugees in Cox's Bazar and in Bhasan Char. Prof Yunus places 7-point roadmap for Rohingya repatriation "However, as the situation has prolonged, and the number of forcibly displaced has continued to increase around the world, reaching 120 million by the end of 2024, it has become increasingly difficult to mobilise the resources required," said Mazou. As of today, the funding of the Joint Response Plan stands at approximately 60%. "While the continued provision of food assistance could be secured until December the availability of LPG beyond September is uncertain. Services such as education and health have already been reduced," Mazou said. He said it is essential that, as Bangladesh continues to provide a global public good, the required funding is made available in the spirit of burden-sharing, reaffirmed by the Global Compact on Refugees. “Merely providing humanitarian assistance neither constitutes a solution nor ensures protection," Mazou said. There are an estimated 3.5 million internally displaced persons in Myanmar, and in the past 18 months alone, 150,000 more Rohingya have fled targeted violence to Bangladesh. "A comprehensive response continues to be required to meet individual needs in a manner that helps prepare for the eventual return because long-term dependency on humanitarian assistance does not prepare Rohingya refugees for the part they ought to play in the reconstruction of their country once they return," Mazou said. "We need more innovative approaches that accommodate the need for refugees to retain their ability to play an active role in the reconstruction of their country while not creating conditions that would make the eventual return elusive," he said. Eight years on, Rohingyas’ presence leaves locals feeling exiled at home Mazou said their presence in Cox's Bazar today is a clear indication of our determination to be by the side of the refugees, represented in this meeting - as well as the government and people of Bangladesh and be part of the solution. A situation involving over one million displaced persons cannot be left to morph into a regional crisis affecting all countries in the region, he said. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus spoke at the event as the chief guest. High Representative for the Rohingya Issue and National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, Disaster Management and Relief Adviser Faruk E Azam, Bir Protik, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, among others, also spoke.  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday placed seven-point proposals, seeking collective efforts for charting a practical roadmap for the speedy, safe, dignified, voluntary and sustainable return of the Rohingyas to their homes in Rakhine as soon as possible. "We must not be held hostage to mere rhetoric. The time for action is now," he said while speaking as the chief guest at the ‘Stakeholders Dialogue’ here. Prof Yunus said it is not only the responsibility of Bangladesh but also of the international community to share the burden of the Rohingya crisis, to reflect on the possible solutions and to play an active role in implementing them. He said the Rohingya issue and its sustainable resolution must be kept alive on the global agenda as they need support until they return home. In that spirit of solidarity, during the last Ramadan in March this year, the Secretary General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres and Prof Yunus joined over one hundred thousand Rohingyas in an Iftar in Cox’s Bazar. "We clearly heard Rohingyas’ keen desire to return home as soon as possible," Prof Yunus said. The special session, as part of the three-day conference, began at 11am that called for joint efforts to ensure sustainable peace in Myanmar and in the region, dignified repatriation of the Rohingyas, addressing the challenges on multiple fronts. A one-minute silence was observed on the occasion of ‘Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day.’ A documentary was also screened on the Rohingya crisis. Speaking at the event, High Representative for the Rohingya Issue and National Security Adviser of Bangladesh Dr Khalilur Rahman called for concrete international action to ensure safe and dignified repatriation of the Rohingyas to their place of origin in Myanmar. Read: Prof Yunus joins 'Stakeholders’ Dialogue' on Rohingya crisis in Cox’s Bazar "We need to continue what we are doing," Khalilur Rahman said. Adviser for Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief Faruk E Azam, Bir Protik, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, Assistant High Commissioner for Operations and Assistant Secretary-General, UNHCR Raouf Mazou among others spoke. Seven Proposals · Right to Return: Ensure Rohingyas’ speedy, safe, voluntary and sustainable repatriation to Rakhine without delay. · Sustained Aid: Donors must fill gaps in the 2025–26 Joint Response Plan and guarantee long-term funding. · End Violence: Myanmar authorities and Arakan Army must stop attacks, ensure Rohingya security, prevent new outflows, and allow IDPs to return home. · Dialogue: Establish a platform for inclusive dialogue to reduce tensions, restore rights, and promote reconciliation. · Global & Regional Role: ASEAN, neighbours, and the international community must foster peace, stability, and combat cross-border crimes. · Oppose Ethnic Cleansing: Stakeholders must stand firmly against ethnic cleansing and calibrate relations with Myanmar and conflict parties. · Accountability: Strengthen ICJ and ICC processes, implement ICJ measures, and deliver justice for genocide and crimes against humanity. Prof Yunus said the Rohingya crisis emanated from Myanmar and the solution also lies there. "All parties must act to end the crisis with greater resolve without any further delay," he said, adding that "Your solidarity with the Rohingya voice could be a beacon of hope for them in reversing their marginalization and persecution as the starting point of their return to their homeland." "Let us all join our hands and pronounce our determination to contribute to their dignified return, ensuring justice and accountability," said the Chief Adviser. He recalled that last year, in the United Nations General Assembly, he made a three-point proposition to address the Rohingya crisis. In recognition of my call, the High-Level Conference was envisaged for this year’s General Assembly. "I hope that this Dialogue here in Cox’s Bazar will contribute substantially to the Conference in New York in shaping up the roadmap for an expedited and permanent solution of the Rohingya crisis," Prof Yunus said. He said Bangladesh supports and is working relentlessly for a sustainable solution to your crisis. Dialogue is aimed at amplifying your voice in rolling out a roadmap towards early, voluntary and sustainable return to your homeland," said the Chief Adviser.On the 8th ‘Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day’, with a heavy heart, Prof Yunus drew attention of all to the forced displacement of Rohingyas, and their exodus to Bangladesh from Myanmar. In a spate of only few weeks in August 2017, around eight hundred thousand Rohingyas crossed into Bangladesh. They came to Bangladesh to save their lives. "Unfortunately, the barbaric attack and persecution still persist. Hence, we see fresh arrivals at our doorsteps even today," he said. "On this fateful day, it is our moral responsibility to take the right side of history and stop the armed actors from carrying out their horrible design of ethnic cleansing of entire Rohingya populace," said

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, now in New York, on Thursday called for "renewed international attention and action" to ensure the repatriation of the Rohingyas with safety and rights. "This is not only a matter of justice, but also vital for preventing the root cause of a potential instability in our region," he said. For over eight years, Bangladesh has been hosting over 1.2 million Rohingya people who fled their own country Myanmar due to persecution by the military regime. "Our humanitarian act has put us in immense socio-economic and environmental challenges, and the situation is now posing new security risks," Adviser Hossain said while delivering his statement at the UN Security Council open debate titled “Poverty, Underdevelopment and Conflict: Implications for the Maintenance of International Peace and Security.” This Council, he said, is well aware that protracted crises often emerge from systemic marginalisation. The current development and security landscape are shaped by long-standing inequities – many of which are rooted in centuries of political subjugation and economic exploitation, said the Foreign Affairs Adviser. "Correcting these imbalances is our shared responsibility," he said. In this context, Hossain said, they must aim for a future shaped by the bold aspiration of “three zeros” propounded by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus: zero poverty, zero unemployment, and net zero carbon emissions. Prof Yunus dismisses ‘Corridor to Rakhine', reaffirms Rohingya repatriation "These are not just development goals—they are foundational to lasting peace and stability," said the Adviser, adding that realizing this vision will require an alignment of peacebuilding efforts with inclusive and forward-looking development strategies. "Here, we see a strong merit in closer coordination across the three pillars of the UN," Hossain said. He said it is imperative that this Council works closely with ECOSOC and Peacebuilding Commission to ensure that peacebuilding strategies are in conformity with development realities. "Instead of only investing in recovery, we must also build resilience. Let us enable people, especially the most vulnerable and give them the opportunity to thrive," Hossain said. In doing so, he said, they see the transformative potential of “social business” pioneered by Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus. "By prioritising people over profits, such enterprises boost inclusive growth and reduce grievances that would otherwise lead to unrest. We believe this approach offers valuable lessons worth replicating globally," Hossain said. Bangladesh remains committed to doing its part, and to working alongside all concerned in pursuit of a more just, peaceful, and secure world, he mentioned. The Adviser thanked the Presidency of Guyana for organizing this "timely and important" debate, according to the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations. "We live in a world where poverty, under-development, and conflict – all are interconnected. If we are to preserve international peace and security, addressing these challenges is not optional - it is essential," said the Foreign Affairs Adviser. In Bangladesh, he said, they have always viewed young people as agents of positive change. "From the historic Language Movement in 1952 to our liberation struggle, and most recently the student-led “monsoon revolution” – our youth have consistently led the way in fighting against inequalities and injustice," Hossain said. Rohingya refugee response remains a ‘critical challenge’: Gwyn Lewis He said they are also deeply aware of the consequences when young people are denied access to education and employment. "Across regions and contexts, large segments of youth – when left behind – can become vulnerable to manipulation, and violent ideologies that exploit identity and faith," Hossain said.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday called upon the international community to come forward and resolve the Rohingya issue, otherwise, he warned it will be a problem for the entire region, not just for Bangladesh.   He laid emphasis on exploring ways to reestablish the rights of the Rohingyas so that they can return  home with rights and security that they deserve. The foreign adviser was speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled "Repatriation of Rohingya in Bangladesh: Strategic Implications on Regional Security and Ways Ahead," jointly organised by the Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) and the Armed Forces Division. National Security Adviser and High Representative to the Chief Adviser Khalilur Rahman spoke as the guest of honour while Principal Staff Officer of the AFD Lieutenant General SM Kamrul Hassan spoke as special guest. Adviser Hossain said they cannot force the Rohingyas out as they need to return home voluntarily. Highlighting the current situation in Rakhine, he said the Rohingyas will not return to their homeland without security and rights. UAE expedites visa Issuance for Bangladeshis following talks A reasonable security must be ensured for them, he said, noting that a complete civil war is going on in Myanmar. Talking about different authorities of different natures within Myanmar, Hossain said, “We cannot stop bilateral negotiations but let us not be very hopeful of bilateral negotiations leading it to repatriation.”

Given the renewed international geopolitical and geostrategic scenario, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday said Qatar can strongly express their solidarity to resolve the Rohingya issue and be proactive to engage the OIC countries to raise more funds and impose pressure on the international community to advocate for the repatriation of the Rohingyas. "Qatar can use its good offices to put pressure on Myanmar for starting repatriation of Rohingya people without any further delay," he said. The Chief Adviser and Qatar Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, also the sister of Qatar Amir and the host of Earthna Summit, joined the high-level roundtable discussion on "Social and Environmental Challenges around Forcibly Displaced Populations: The Case of the Rohingyas." Prof Yunus called for working together for humanity, for stability and for justice. "Let us ensure that today’s discussion does not conclude with formalities alone, but marks the beginning of a meaningful partnership—one that keeps the Rohingya crisis at the forefront of our shared humanitarian priorities and works collectively towards lasting solutions," he said. Prof Yunus said prolonged stay of the Rohingyas poses enormous challenges to Bangladesh and makes these Rohingyas frustrated. He said the rise in criminal activities in the camps and attempts of illegal migration are clear signs of desperation among them. "If the problem persists further, it may affect the security and stability of the entire region and jeopardize development initiatives," Prof Yunus said. Unfortunately, he said, international attention is gradually shifting from the Rohingya crisis due to various conflicts arising at different corners of the globe. As of 19 March 2025, out of the data of a total of 8,29,036 submitted by the Bangladesh government, as many as 2,39,056 people were verified by the Myanmar government, and among them, 1,76,198 people were cleared as “Persons who resided in Myanmar” by the government of Myanmar. Bangladesh is working with international and regional partners to resolve the Rohingya crisis by sustainable repatriation. Prof Yunus said Bangladesh will organize a “High-Level Conference on the Situation of Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities in Myanmar” under UN auspices, probably in September 2025 in New York. Bangladesh expects high-level political participation and cooperation from Qatar in the conference. Qatar was among the first few countries to immediately provide assistance and support after the outbreak of Rohingyas crisis in 2017. US lauds Dr Yunus' approach towards Rohingya issue Prof Yunus extended his sincere gratitude to the Qatar Foundation for organizing this gathering and for continuing to champion conversations that go beyond policy statements—conversations that strive for solutions, accountability, and solidarity. Bangladesh is currently hosting about 1.3 million Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (Rohingya), while 32,000 newborns are being added yearly. Despite numerous challenges and constraints, Prof Yunus said, Bangladesh is giving shelter to such a huge number of Rohingyas only on humanitarian considerations. "Bangladesh considers sustainable repatriation as the only solution to the current crisis," he said. Justice and Accountability Chief Adviser Prof Yunus said ongoing justice and accountability initiatives in International Court of Justice (ICJ), the investigation of the International Criminal Court (ICC), and the activities of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) regarding the atrocities committed against Rohingyas are very crucial. Bangladesh as state party of UN and Rome Statute, he said, strongly believes crimes like genocide and crime against humanity should never go unpunished. Attributing the crimes to Myanmar/officials of Myanmar will also be a crucial tool to build the confidence of Rohingyas for their repatriation to Rakhine, said the Chief Adviser. Bangladesh is facilitating the accountability initiatives at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the investigation of the International Criminal Court (ICC), and the activities of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM). The case is expected to be in its merit phase by early 2025. Law firm Foley Hoag informed that after successful completion of the three phases (Provisional, Objection and Merit phases) of the Court proceedings, they would request the ICJ for reparation by the Myanmar government to the victims of the genocide. The Gambian government is undertaking concerted efforts to secure necessary funding from OIC member states. OIC has so far raised USD 2.77 million, with Bangladesh being the most significant contributor, worth USD 0.7 million. Considering the severe budgetary constraints to meet up the expenditures of the ongoing judicial proceedings pending at the ICJ, Prof Yunus said, as an affluent member of the OIC, Qatar may be requested to make financial contribution to the OIC Fund for Rohingya, created to meet the expenditure of the case and to remain seized with the issue to maintain the momentum.  

Chief Adviser’s High Representative Dr Khalilur Rahman on Tuesday said the repatriation of Rohingyas from Bangladesh is unlikely to proceed unless the ongoing conflicts in Myanmar's Rakhine (Arakan) state are resolved. “They (Rohingyas) are not leaving tomorrow. A repatriation process requires careful preparation — ensuring safety, livelihood opportunities and a stable environment. This is not unique to the Rohingya situation; it is fundamental to all repatriation processes,” he told a press briefing held at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital. Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, Deputy Press Secretary Apurba Jahangir and Assistant Press Secretary Nayem Ali were present. Dr Khalilur Rahman said Bangladesh's interim government is actively working towards that end in coordination with relevant international and regional actors. He also elaborated key developments from the sixth Bimstec summit held in Bangkok from April 3 to 4, saying that the conference highlighted regional cooperation, including discussions on the long-standing Rohingya crisis. “During the summit, I met U Than Swe, Myanmar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. We have made significant progress regarding repatriation,” said Dr Rahman, adding, “Between 2018 and 2020, we submitted a list of 800,000 Rohingyas in six phases. Myanmar has reviewed 250,000 of these names and identified 180,000 people who they confirm arrived from Myanmar. However, there are some discrepancies regarding the remaining 70,000, which both sides are working to resolve.” Myanmar has also committed to accelerating the verification process for the remaining 550,000 Rohingyas. Hasina’s extradition issue raised but nothing finalised: Foreign Adviser He said Bangladesh is maintaining contact with all relevant stakeholders, including the Myanmar authorities, the Arakan Army, the United Nations, and friendly nations. “Under the 2018 bilateral agreement between Bangladesh and Myanmar, verification has been ongoing. While Rakhine is a sovereign region of Myanmar, we have also engaged in dialogue with the Arakan Army, which publicly affirmed in September that repatriating the Rohingya is a key position for them. They reiterated this stance unequivocally during our discussions.” Dr Rahman emphasised, “We believe arrangements can be made to return these 180,000 individuals. While this won’t happen overnight, we are striving to expedite the process with all stakeholders involved.” Dr Khalil also relayed the Chief Adviser’s goal that Rohingya refugees may be able to celebrate the next Eid in their homeland. Referring to concerns about instability in Rakhine, where 80 percent of the territory is under the control of the Arakan Army, Dr Khalil acknowledged that conflict may delay the repatriation. He, however, highlighted substantial progress over the past three months. “This issue had been losing global attention, but thanks to efforts by the UN Secretary-General and the Chief Adviser, it has been brought back to the forefront. A dedicated international conference on the Rohingya crisis has also been secured at the UN.” On March 15, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and UN Secretary-General António Guterres visited refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar and shared iftar with around 100,000 Rohingya refugees. Home adviser sees no specific security threat centering Pahela Baishakh During this visit, the UN Secretary-General reiterated that repatriation is the only viable solution to the crisis — a view echoed in a joint statement with China during a recent diplomatic visit. “This is the first time we have an agreed number,” said Dr Khalil, referring to the 180,000 verified individuals. “It gives us a foundation to move forward.” He underscored the necessity of ensuring an “enabling environment” for returnees. “You cannot push a community back into a fire. Safety and means of livelihood must be guaranteed. We cannot do this alone — all parties must collaborate.” Regarding Bangladesh’s role in promoting peace in Arakan, Dr Khalil said, “We are working with international organisations and various nations to address the humanitarian crisis and restore stability in the region. For any meaningful progress, a ceasefire between the warring parties is crucial.” He added, “Our discussions indicate that during humanitarian operations led by the UN, both sides are likely to observe a cessation of hostilities. We are hopeful that this will create the conditions needed for repatriation discussions to become more practical.” Responding to questions about the proposed humanitarian corridor mentioned by the UN Secretary-General, Dr Khalil said, “He used the term 'channel' rather than 'corridor' due to the legal implications. Bangladesh remains the only viable conduit for delivering aid, given that Rakhine’s coast remains under Tatmadaw control, making other access points infeasible.” Highlighting the broader humanitarian dimension, Dr Khalil said, “This is not just about the Rohingya. Many in the Rakhine community are suffering — from food shortages to lack of medical aid. Both communities have borne heavy losses in this conflict. Supporting them is not only our responsibility but that of the entire international community.” Describing Bangladesh’s evolving approach over the past eight years, he said, “The repatriation issue must be seen as an integrated process. Ensuring peace in Arakan and Rohingya repatriation are inherently linked. No one can be pushed back into a warzone. We are committed to voluntary repatriation, and the willingness to return is evident. The only hurdle is ensuring a safe and stable environment.” “This is a multidimensional challenge. Many elements were previously absent, but now the dimensions are coming together. And we are not alone in this effort,” he added.

Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Tuesday (February 06, 2024) said that the Rohingya repatriation issue will be discussed with India during his first bilateral visit to New Delhi apart from discussion on overall bilateral issues. He mentioned that Myanmar is a neighbouring country for both Bangladesh and India. Talking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the minister said Bangladesh has been seeking India's support regarding the Rohingya repatriation. "So, overall this issue will be discussed," he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last September where the Rohingya issue was discussed. 123 more Myanmar security forces including army men make their way into Bangladesh: BGB With regard to the regional situation, Modi expressed appreciation of the burden shouldered by Bangladesh in hosting over a million persons displaced from the Rakhine State in Myanmar, and conveyed India's constructive and positive approach to support solutions towards safe and sustainable repatriation of the refugees. Since the Foreign Minister will have a meeting with India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, the current security situation in Myanmar is likely to be discussed in the context of regional issues, said a diplomatic source. The foreign minister is going to India tonight (Tuesday) and is scheduled to hold a meeting with his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishanka on Wednesday. The foreign minister is likely to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and will have a separate meeting with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal during his stay in New Delhi. He will also pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi at the iconic Rajghat. Foreign Ministry summons Myanmar Ambassador He is likely to attend a seminar, too. Asked about BNP's comment that the Myanmar BGP members are entering Bangladesh and the conflicts are spilling into Bangladesh territory due to the government's “lenient foreign policy,” Hasan said BNP leaders were "speaking the language of the insane." "BNP thought that the foreign countries will not welcome the new government of Bangladesh after the polls, but now that all are welcoming and expressing their interest to work with us, BNP is speaking the language of the insane," he said. Though the Foreign Minister will go to New Delhi directly, he will return to Dhaka via Kolkata on Friday night (February 9), a senior official told UNB. In Kolkata, he will attend a "meet the press" event and a reception, to be hosted by the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission. Earlier, Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Seheli Sabrin, said issues of mutual interest including trade, connectivity and energy cooperation, people-to-people contacts and regional cooperation will be discussed between the two sides at the bilateral meeting to further strengthen Bangladesh-India relations. Asked whether the Teesta water-sharing issue will be discussed in the meeting, the foreign ministry spokesperson said they expect the issue would be discussed. Tension at the border: What Dhaka told the Myanmar Ambassador

Six years after the Rohingya influx in Bangladesh, the government continues its efforts focusing on their safe repatriation, though some countries and international organisations are pushing for their integration in Bangladesh.  “Our priority is that they (Rohingyas) will return to their homeland. Myanmar is also willing to take them back,” said Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, noting that Myanmar needs to ensure safety and security of the Rohingyas after their return to their place of origin. On August 25, 2017, Myanmar’s military began carrying out violent operations against the Rohingya population in northern Rakhine state, which resulted in grave crimes under international law. Entire villages were burnt, and hundreds of thousands of Rohingyas were forced to flee into Bangladesh. The Foreign Minister said the government remains in a firm position regarding their repatriation to Myanmar. “So, discussion is underway. We are always hopeful,” he said, adding that some countries and international organisations recommended the Bangladesh government to give Rohingyas training and skills, and keep them here. Read: Singapore's support sought for Rohingya repatriation, Dhaka's inclusion as ASEAN Dialogue Partner Momen said Bangladesh already has a huge population and it does not need a large number of people from other countries. The minister said Rohingyas came to Bangladesh in the 1970s, '80s and '90s but every time they returned, even during military rule in the past. UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, has called for renewed commitment from the international community for financial support to sustain the humanitarian response and political support to find solutions for over 1.1 million Rohingyas in Bangladesh. This week marks six years since over 700,000 Rohingya men, women and children from Myanmar fled to Bangladesh. They joined hundreds of thousands of other Rohingyas who had previously sought refuge in the country. Read: Said no to US congressmen’s suggestion that Bangladesh absorb Rohingyas: Momen As the humanitarian condition in the world’s largest refugee settlement worsens, the challenges surrounding this protracted crisis continue to increase. Steep decline in funds is forcing humanitarian actors to focus on the most critical and life-saving needs, UNHCR said. It has for the first time led to the reduction of refugees’ food assistance, raising concerns about cascading dramatic consequences: rising malnutrition, school dropout, child marriage, child labour and gender-based violence. With their strength and resilience, the Rohingya refugees have, over the past six years, formed the backbone of the humanitarian response and supported the communities hosting them in turn. UNHCR urged support to enable Rohingya refugees to benefit from education and skills development, through vocational training and other forms of capacity-building. This will not only equip the refugees for their eventual return but also ensure their dignity, safety and productivity during their time in Bangladesh. Read: Dedicated to finding global partners to fund humanitarian efforts in Rohingya camps: OIC This can empower them to address some of their own needs, as the refugees do not wish to be totally reliant on diminishing humanitarian aid, said the UN refugee agency on Tuesday. A dignified and sustainable return to Myanmar remains the primary solution to this crisis, said the UNHCR, adding that “Rohingya refugees continue to tell us they want to return to Myanmar when it is safe for them to do so voluntarily.” The UN agency said the international community must renew its efforts to make that possible. “As the United Nations remains ready to support efforts to create the conditions that would be conducive to sustainable return, it is crucial that UNHCR and its partners are provided unimpeded, meaningful and predictable access in Rakhine State in Myanmar, including to assist and monitor the return of refugees.” The collective goal should be to ensure Rohingyas’ voluntary return to Myanmar — to their places of origin or choice, being able to move freely and access documentation, citizenship pathways, services and income-generation opportunities to rebuild their lives, UNHCR said. Read more: Bangladesh seeks stronger support from int'l community for Rohingya repatriation Until they can return, they remain in refugee camps located in an area off the coast of the Bay of Bengal, which is extremely vulnerable to cyclones, flooding, landslides, fire outbreaks, and the impacts of climate change.

Bangladesh has sought stronger support from the international community for speedy, safe and dignified repatriation of forcibly displaced Rohingya people to Myanmar. The international community was asked to enhance their support on the Rohingya issue at a high-level meeting held at the Prime Minister's Office here in the city on Sunday. Read: Rohingya people advocate for assurances of rights and citizenship PM’s Principal Secretary Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah chaired the meeting, while a number of foreign envoys and representatives of international agencies, stationed in Dhaka, joined the meeting. In the meeting, Bangladesh put emphasis on increasing international support for quick, safe, dignified and permanent repatriation of Rohingya to their home country, said a press release. "The only solution to this crisis lies in the dignified and permanent repatriation of the Rohingyas to their homeland, Myanmar," said the Principal Secretary. Read: Bangladesh must suspend pilot project to return Rohingyas to Myanmar: UN expert Raising the government's stance on the issue, he said there is no scope for integration of Rohingya with locals. Tofazzel Hossain sought cooperation from the participants to create temporary shelters for the displaced people. The UN resident coordinator in Dhaka highlighted the reduction in the allocations of the World Food Programme and other donor agencies for humanitarian and food assistance to Rohingya amid the global economic crisis. In the meeting, the envoys of Saudi Arabia, Iran, Palestine, Turkey, Qatar, Kuwait and China raised the stance of their respective countries and reiterated their commitments to extend support and assistance standing with any initiative of Bangladesh over the Rohingya crisis. Read: UNHCR to look after Rohingya families waiting for repatriation too Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, Public Security Division Secretary Mustafizur Rahman, PMO Secretary Mohammad Salahuddin and Disaster Management and Relief Secretary Kamrul Hasan were present. Saudi Ambassador Essa Yousef Essa Alduhailan, Chinese ambassador Yao Wen, UAE ambassador Abdulla Ali Abdulla Khaseif AlHmoudi, Qatar ambassador Seraya Ali Al-Qahtani, Turkiye ambassador Ramis Sen, Kuwait ambassador Ali Ahmed Ibrahim Al-Dhufairi, Oman ambassador Abdul Ghaffar Albulushi, Palestine ambassador Yousef S.Y. Ramadan, Iran ambassador Mansour Chavoshi, Chargé d'Affaires of Iraq Embassy Mohanad A.R Khalaf Al-Darraji, UN Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis and WFP country director in Bangladesh Dom Scalpelli, among others, took part in the meeting.

Bangladesh must immediately suspend a pilot repatriation project for Rohingya refugees to return to Myanmar, where they "face serious risks" to their lives and liberty, a UN expert said on Thursday (June 8, 2023). UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Tom Andrews, said there were reports that Bangladeshi authorities were using “deceptive and coercive measures” to compel Rohingya refugees to return to Myanmar. Also read: Rohingyas wanting to return to Myanmar should have access to clear info: UN Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees “Conditions in Myanmar are anything but conducive for the safe, dignified, sustainable, and voluntary return of Rohingya refugees,” Andrews said. “Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who commanded the forces that launched the genocidal attacks against the Rohingya, now leads a brutal military junta that is attacking civilian populations while denying the Rohingya citizenship and other basic rights,” he said. Bangladesh officials have stated that an initial group of 1,140 Rohingya refugees will be repatriated to Myanmar at an unspecified date and 6,000 will be returned by the end of the year. Actions by Bangladesh authorities suggest that the first return could be imminent. Aslo read: Myanmar team arrives in Cox's Bazar to verify list of Rohingya for repatriation “There are also reports of refugees being promised large sums of money, if they agree to return. These promises are allegedly being made even as food rations are being cut to $.27 per person per day for those in the Bangladesh camps. It remains unclear where the funds for repatriated families will come from,” Andrews said. Under the pilot project, Rohingya refugees will not be allowed to return to their own villages, many of which were razed to the ground during the genocidal attacks of 2017. The refugees would pass through “reception” and “transit” centers in Maungdaw township, after which they would be moved to a designated area of 15 newly constructed “villages” – places they would not be allowed to leave freely. In March, Bangladesh authorities facilitated two visits by Myanmar junta authorities (SAC) to the Bangladesh camps. Also read: Dhaka seeks global support in pilot Rohingya repatriation project Bangladesh and SAC officials also coordinated a “go and see” visit to Rakhine State for some Rohingya refugees. Bangladeshi officials said the refugees had expressed “general satisfaction” with arrangements made for their return, but these assurances were contradicted by reports that those who participated in the trip had unequivocally rejected the repatriation plans.