Episode: KPN 01-10-2026

Kaladan Podcast October 1, 2026

Episode: KPN 01-10-2026 Kaladan Podcast

‘Rohingya Genocide Cell’ should be set up to preserve memories, evidence: Experts

International relations and diplomacy expert Professor Imtiaz Ahmed has proposed establishing a “Rohingya Genocide Cell” inside the refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar to document the genocide and preserve Rohingya memories, experiences and evidence for future generations and justice efforts.

Professor Imtiaz made the proposal during a research-policy dialogue titled “Genocide Diplomacy and the Rohingya: Justice, Recognition and the Politics of International Response,” held at the conference room of the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) in Cox’s Bazar.

The dialogue was organised by the Refugee and Migration Lab (RML) in collaboration with University College London, Dhaka University, Chittagong University and the University of South Wales, with funding from the British Academy.

Experts call for preservation of Rohingya genocide evidence

Professor Imtiaz said the primary purpose of genocide research should be to make societies more sensitive and aware so that such atrocities are not repeated.

However, he said the recurrence of genocides around the world requires renewed reflection on the limitations of existing efforts to prevent mass atrocities.

Discussing international recognition of the Rohingya genocide, Professor Imtiaz said victim communities have played significant roles in campaigns for recognition in other genocide cases.

He said Rohingya themselves must also take a leading role in the struggle for recognition, justice and preservation of their history.

Professor Imtiaz further stressed the importance of investing in the development and preservation of Rohingya identity and culture.

Book on Rohingya genocide denial launched

The event also featured the launch of the book “Politics of Denial and Non-Recognition of Genocide: The Case of the Rohingya,” edited by Professor Nasir Uddin, Dr Palash Kamruzzaman and Dr Bayes Ahmed and published by Palgrave Macmillan.

The discussion brought together academics, policymakers, humanitarian representatives and Rohingya voices to examine genocide recognition, justice, identity and the international response to the Rohingya crisis.

Rohingya crisis must not be treated only as humanitarian issue

Farah Kabir, country director of ActionAid Bangladesh, warned that viewing the Rohingya crisis solely through a humanitarian lens carries significant risks.

She said focusing only on immediate needs such as food, water, shelter, healthcare and education could cause the political roots of Rohingya displacement to be overlooked.

“The Rohingyas should not be seen only as recipients of humanitarian assistance; their political rights and dignity must also remain part of the discussion,” she said.

Identity remains central to Rohingya repatriation

Maj Gen ASM Ridwanur Rahman, director general of the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS), identified the Rohingya identity crisis as a central issue in discussions over repatriation.

Professor Nasir Uddin of the Department of Anthropology at Chittagong University said findings from many studies have not been adequately reflected in policymaking, while policies are often developed without sufficient engagement with existing research.

Additional RRRC Commissioner Nazmul Islam Bhuiyan called for further studies to identify the principal obstacles preventing Rohingya repatriation.

Bangladesh’s past repatriation experience highlighted

Nirjhar Adhikari, director of the Myanmar wing at Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Bangladesh’s experience with Rohingya repatriation in 1978 and 1992 should be examined in efforts to find a solution to the current crisis.

Speakers stressed the need to connect academic research more closely with policymaking and to understand the political, historical and identity-related barriers to the safe and sustainable return of Rohingya refugees.

Rohingya representative points to decades of persecution

Rohingya representative Anamul Hasan said persecution of the Rohingya did not begin with the violence of 2016 or the mass atrocities of 2017.

He said the crisis was rooted in decades of discrimination, restrictions on freedom of movement, arrests, torture and systematic attempts to erase Rohingya identity.

His remarks highlighted the importance of documenting not only the events surrounding the 2017 mass displacement but also the longer history of persecution experienced by the Rohingya in Myanmar.

The discussion underscored calls for Rohingya voices, historical memory and evidence of persecution to remain central to international efforts seeking justice, recognition and a durable solution to the crisis.