Stronger Global Action Urged for Rohingya Repatriation

Speaking at a roundtable titled “The Rohingya Crisis: Emerging Challenges and Reframing Responsibilities” in Dhaka on Sunday, he stressed that effective diplomacy and coordinated international action are essential to ensure the safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of Rohingya refugees to their homeland in Myanmar.

 

The minister said Bangladesh has been hosting more than 1.5 million forcibly displaced Rohingya for nearly nine years on humanitarian grounds, providing food, healthcare, shelter and basic security. But the prolonged crisis has created growing security challenges, including crime, arms and drug trafficking, human trafficking, gender-based violence and activities by armed groups in and around the camps.

 

Salahuddin Ahmed warned that continued humanitarian assistance without a credible and specific repatriation plan could weaken the urgency for a political solution. He called for a “transitional strategy” focused on creating conditions in Myanmar’s Rakhine State that would allow Rohingya to return safely and with dignity.

 

He also highlighted the need for stronger roles from the UN, UNHCR, international human rights organisations and influential countries. The minister said the government is pursuing a whole-of-government approach involving civilian administration, security and defence agencies to address the crisis.

 

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to repatriation, he said Bangladesh would draw on its previous experiences of Rohingya repatriation and seek a successful resolution under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.