Episode: KPN 13-10-2026

Bangladesh firm on safe, voluntary and sustainable Rohingya repatriation: Home Minister

Bangladesh remains committed to the safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar and is strengthening regional and international diplomatic efforts to facilitate their return, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said.

“Coordinated regional and international diplomatic efforts are being strengthened to ensure their return,” Ahmed said while addressing a seminar in Dhaka.

The seminar, titled “Rohingya Crisis: Way Forward – Towards Sustainable Repatriation and a Durable Regional Solution,” was organised by the Foundation for Strategic and Development Studies (FSDS) at the Antara Hall of Radisson Blu Water Garden.

Md. Ismail Zabiullah, Adviser to the Prime Minister on the Ministry of Public Administration with the rank of a minister, attended as special guest, while FSDS Chairman Major General (retd) Fazle Elahi Akbar chaired the event.

Bangladesh calls for coordinated international approach

Ahmed said Bangladesh’s efforts alone would not be enough to achieve sustainable Rohingya repatriation and called for a strategic regional alliance involving China, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the United Nations, Japan and other relevant stakeholders.

He said a coordinated diplomatic approach was necessary to create conditions for the Rohingya population to return safely and sustainably to their homeland.

The Home Minister also said the Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Japan later this month, where further discussions on accelerating the Rohingya repatriation process are expected.

Rakhine’s changing security situation shapes diplomacy

Referring to the changing political and security situation in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, Ahmed said the Arakan Army (AA) now controls a substantial part of the territory.

Against this backdrop, Bangladesh is exploring possible avenues for resolving the crisis through different diplomatic channels, including informal communication, he said.

Ahmed stressed that peaceful repatriation remains Bangladesh’s principal objective and that Dhaka would continue pursuing diplomatic dialogue while keeping other avenues open as a last resort.

Rohingya crisis linked to regional stability and geopolitics

Speaking as special guest, Public Administration Adviser Md. Ismail Zabiullah said the Rohingya crisis should not be viewed merely as a humanitarian problem or a bilateral issue between Bangladesh and Myanmar.

He said the protracted crisis is deeply connected to Bangladesh’s national interests, regional stability and international geopolitics.

Given the complexities surrounding the Rohingya issue and Myanmar’s changing political and military circumstances, Zabiullah said Bangladesh needs to move from crisis management towards strategic diplomacy, from temporary humanitarian assistance towards sustainable repatriation, and from fragmented initiatives towards an integrated national strategy.

He also emphasised the need to protect the humanitarian rights and security of the Rohingya population while mobilising international support and increasing pressure on Myanmar to create conditions for their safe and dignified return.

Bangladesh seeks stronger international backing

Speaking to journalists after the seminar, Ahmed said the election of a Bangladeshi representative as President of the United Nations General Assembly this year had created an opportunity for Dhaka to raise the Rohingya repatriation issue more forcefully before the international community.

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

The seminar brought together local and foreign diplomats, representatives of international organisations, retired military officers, researchers, academics and media representatives.

For the Rohingya community, the central question remains whether renewed diplomatic initiatives can translate into concrete guarantees of citizenship rights, safety, dignity and a voluntary return to their homeland in Myanmar.

Tagged as: ration cut, BGP, Genocide Convention, Burma-Bangladesh border, Arakan, RSO, Buthidaung, BGB, Burma, Malaysia going boat, IDP camp in Arakan, Arakan Army, Myanmar, Military navy, Kutupalong, Cox's Bazar, Rohingya boat people, Maungdaw, Military Council force, Rakhine, IIMM, Rathedaung, ARSA, Rohingya, war crimes, Rohingya Refugee, Camp schools, Akyab, ICC, Rohingya refugee camp, community schools, APBn, ICJ, RRRC, foods shortage, Balukhali, accountability, Sittwe, hungers, Bangadesh refugee camp, Bangladesh, Teknaf.