Bangladesh firm on safe, voluntary, sustainable Rohingya repatriation: Home minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to the safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation of forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals to their homeland.

"Coordinated regional and international diplomatic efforts are being strengthened to ensure their return," he said.

The home minister was speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled “Rohingya Crisis: Way Forward – Towards Sustainable Repatriation and a Durable Regional Solution”, organised by the Foundation for Strategic and Development Studies (FSDS) at the Antara Hall of Radisson Blu Water Garden in the capital on Sunday, said a press release.

Md Ismail Zabiullah, adviser to the prime minister on the Ministry of Public Administration, with the rank of a minister, attended the event as the special guest.

FSDS Chairman Maj Gen (retd) Fazle Elahi Akbar chaired the seminar.

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Addressing the seminar, the home minister said Bangladesh’s unilateral efforts would not be sufficient to ensure sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas.

He stressed the need to develop a strategic regional alliance and a coordinated approach involving China, ASEAN, the United Nations, Japan and all other relevant stakeholders.

Ahmed added that the prime minister is scheduled to visit Japan later this month, where further discussions are expected on accelerating the repatriation process.

Referring to the changing geopolitical and security situation in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, the home minister said, “The de jure government, the Arakan Army (AA) controls a substantial part of the territory.”

Against this backdrop, Bangladesh is exploring avenues for a solution through various diplomatic channels, including informal communication, he said.

The minister emphasised that peaceful repatriation remains the principal objective and that Bangladesh will continue diplomatic dialogue while keeping all avenues open as a last resort.

Speaking as the special guest, Ismail Zabiullah said the Rohingya crisis was not merely a humanitarian problem or a bilateral issue, but one deeply connected to national interests, regional stability and international geopolitics.

Considering the issue’s multifaceted complexities over the past decades and Myanmar’s changing political and military circumstances, he said Bangladesh needs to move from crisis management towards strategic diplomacy, from temporary relief assistance towards sustainable repatriation, and from fragmented initiatives towards an integrated national strategy.

He also underscored the importance of protecting the Rohingyas’ humanitarian rights and ensuring their security, while mobilising international support and exerting pressure on Myanmar to facilitate their safe and dignified return to their homeland.

Speaking to journalists after the seminar, the home minister said Bangladesh’s representative being elected President of the United Nations General Assembly this year had created an opportunity to raise the repatriation issue more forcefully before the international community.

He expressed optimism that discussions with the international community supported by neighbouring and partner countries including China, Japan, India, the United States and the European Union, could help identify a pathway towards swift and sustainable repatriation.

The seminar was attended by distinguished local and foreign diplomats, representatives of international organisations, retired military officers, researchers, academics and representatives of various media outlets.