United News of Bangladesh

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.

Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday (May 29, 2023) said the Rohingyas’ better life and future can be ensured only in their own country and it is better for them to start returning to their homes in Myanmar. "For Rohingyas, better future is only possible in Myanmar, not in Bangladesh. Confidence building measures are being taken. It is better they start returning to Myanmar," he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Momen said the Chinese Vice Foreign Minister came to Bangladesh to discuss the Rohingya, not the issues that media raised. "He (Chinese Vice Minister) was not even close that issue," said the Foreign Minister while responding to a question on Global Development Initiative (GDI) of China. Read more: Bangladesh urged to use LDC graduation as an opportunity to rethink its reliance on RMG Momen said China is facilitating the Rohingya repatriation efforts. On Sunday, Bangladesh and China reviewed the ongoing efforts for repatriation of the Rohingyas back to their homeland in Myanmar smoothly and on an expeditious basis. Foreign Minister Momen thanked the Chinese government for making "sincere efforts" for the safe and quick return of the Rohingya people from Bangladesh. Asked when the Rohingyas will start returning to Myanmar, he said he does not have any idea about any specific date. Read more: Rohingya Case: OIC Secretary General seeks support from member states Both Foreign Minister Dr Momen and Vice Foreign Minister of China Sun Weidong expressed similar views that the problem needed an urgent solution, because if left unaddressed for any longer, it could potentially evolve as a tangible threat to the regional security and stability. "There are trilateral efforts. Our priority is to see repatriation of the Rohingyas," Momen said. He said many Rohingyas are willing to return while some Rohingyas raised issues like citizenship. During his meeting with Dr Momen on Sunday, the Vice Foreign Minister of China highly lauded the remarkable socio-economic transformation of Bangladesh under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Read more: Dhaka, Beijing review Rohingya repatriation effort "The Chinese Vice Minister visited Padma Bridge. He acknowledged that Bangladesh made things possible over the last 10 years that looked impossible," Momen said. Dr Momen highly appreciated the substantial contributions made by China towards the developmental journey of Bangladesh. Responding to a question, Momen said the Chinese Vice Minister invited Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to visit China but Dhaka conveyed that the Prime Minister will be in New York at that time. Read more: Countries investing heavily in Myanmar should come forward to solve Rohingya crisis: Momen

Bangladesh and China on Sunday (May 28, 2023) reviewed the ongoing efforts for repatriation of the Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar smoothly and on an expedited basis. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen thanked the Chinese government for making sincere efforts for the safe and quick repatriation of the displaced population. Momen and Vice Foreign Minister of China Sun Weidon agreed that the problem needed an urgent solution, because if left unaddressed for any longer, it could potentially evolve as a tangible threat to regional security and stability. During his meeting with Momen, the vice foreign minister of China highly lauded the remarkable socio-economic transformation of Bangladesh under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Read more: Rohingya Case: OIC Secretary General seeks support from member states Momen highly appreciated the substantial contributions made by China towards the developmental journey of Bangladesh. He profusely admired the excellent bilateral relations between the two friendly countries and expressed optimism that the constructive and collaborative relations would be further strengthened in the days ahead. Momen congratulated Sun for the successful holding of the bilateral consultations on May 27 in Dhaka. Noting the deep cultural, historical and civilization links between the two countries, Foreign Minister Momen mentioned about the visit of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to China in the 1950s and the book he wrote on what he saw. Read more: Rohingyas not satisfied with the Myanmar delegation’s assurances Sharing his admiration for the magnificent Padma Multipurpose Bridge, Sun mentioned that the structure stands out as a new symbol of the friendship between Bangladesh and China and observed that the two countries could achieve miracles through greater and better synergies. Momen invited and encouraged larger flow of Chinese FDI into Bangladesh for mutual benefit of both the countries. He recalled with profound appreciation the assistance that China offered during the Covid-19 pandemic and mentioned his brief meeting with the Chinese Foreign Minister in Dhaka in January this year. While discussing the facility of duty-free and quota-free access to 98% Bangladeshi products to China, he hoped that all necessary measures would be taken so that Bangladesh could get optimum benefit out of this arrangement. Read more: Joint operation to prevent crime, violence in Rohingya camps soon: Home Minister He also stressed on an expedited implementation of the projects agreed during the last visit of the Chinese President Xi Jinping to Bangladesh. Sun praised Bangladesh’s energetic youth population capable of making a significant change in the society and economy. He referred to the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative of the Chinese President Xi Jinping and hoped that Bangladesh reaped the maximum benefits out of this grand scheme.

The 14-member Myanmar delegation held a three-hour meeting with the Rohingyas, who fled the Buddhist-majority country amid military persecution and have taken shelter in Cox's Bazar, ahead of their possible repatriation that is being discussed. However, the Rohingyas are not satisfied with the assurances given by the delegation. The meeting was held with more than 200 Rohingyas at Jadimura Shalbagan camp in Teknaf on Thursday (May 25, 2023) afternoon. Later, the delegation returned to Myanmar by trawler via Teknaf-Myanmar transit jetty at Jaliapara municipality. Read more: Myanmar team arrives in Cox's Bazar to verify list of Rohingya for repatriation Earlier, the 14-member delegation from Myanmar arrived in a cargo trawler at Teknaf-Myanmar Transit Jetty of Teknaf Municipality Jaliapara around 10am on Thursday. The team was led by Aung Myo, Maungdaw's regional director at the Ministry of Social Affairs. After the meeting, Director General (Myanmar) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Moinul Kabir said, "Our main objective is to repatriate the Rohingyas. Because that's the only permanent solution. Various initiatives are being taken to send Rohingyas to their home countries. In continuation of this, the Myanmar team has come.” Expressing dissatisfaction with the assurance of the delegation, some of the Rohingya participants of the meeting said that they demanded Myanmar citizenship, return of their lands and freedom of movement like other communities in the country.  "They're talking about taking us to camps in that country with an NBC card. But that's not how we're willing to go,” a Rohingya participant said, in return for anonymity to discuss the issue. Read more: Dhaka seeks global support in pilot Rohingya repatriation project.

Bangladesh has urged the United Nations, ASEAN and regional countries to support the pilot repatriation project and help Rohingya returnees reintegrate in Myanmar. Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations in New York, Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith, made the call while speaking at the Security Council‘s Arria-formula meeting on Myanmar.  The meeting convened by the United Kingdom was held at the United Nations Headquarters on Friday (May 19, 2023).  Referring to the recent dialogue between Bangladesh and Myanmar, Ambassador Muhith informed the Security Council that the two sides have decided to undertake a pilot repatriation project under which a group of verified Myanmar nationals will return to their country of origin in the first batch. Read more: China "unswervingly mediating" between Bangladesh, Myanmar to promote Rohingya repatriation: Ambassador Yao The repatriation will continue and additional Rohingyas will be repatriated in successive batches.  He further informed that a group of 20 Rohingya visited Rakhine State on May 5, 2023 to see arrangements made in Myanmar for their return.  Citing the pilot project as an important step in the right direction, the Permanent Representative said that Bangladesh is taking all measures to ensure the voluntary return of the Rohingyas in family units. Ambassador Muhith called upon the international community to remain vigilant so that the returnees under pilot project are not exposed to further persecution. “The presence of humanitarian and development actors in the Rakhine will act as an important confidence building measure. We also urge the regional countries to support the returnees and help them reintegrate in Myanmar society,” he added.  Read more: Rohingyas not bothered about facilities, their demand centres citizenship The meeting held in the in-person format was attended by all Security Council members and a large number of member states from the ASEAN.  The Security Council members discussed the current humanitarian challenges in Myanmar including in the aftermath of Cyclone Mocha.  They also expressed support for  the efforts of ASEAN in addressing the multifaceted challenges of Myanmar.  On the Rohingya issue, the majority of the members expressed support for the safe, voluntary, sustainable and dignified return of the Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar, while calling upon Myanmar to improve the condition in Rakhine.  Read more: UNHCR ‘not involved’ in discussions on Bangladesh-Myanmar pilot project on Rohingya repatriation