Rohingya Repatriation Depends on Stability in Arakan: Khalilur

Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Chief Adviser’s High Representative, emphasized on Tuesday that the repatriation of Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh will remain unlikely unless the ongoing conflicts in Myanmar’s Rakhine (Arakan) state are resolved. He explained that repatriation requires careful preparation to ensure safety, livelihood, and a stable environment, which is currently lacking due to the instability in Rakhine.

In a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, Dr. Rahman discussed Bangladesh’s efforts, in coordination with international and regional actors, to address the issue. He also outlined key developments from the sixth BIMSTEC summit held in Bangkok from April 3-4, which highlighted regional cooperation and addressed the longstanding Rohingya crisis.

“During the summit, I met Myanmar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, U Than Swe, and we made significant progress on repatriation talks,” Dr. Rahman said. Since 2018, Bangladesh has submitted a list of 800,000 Rohingyas to Myanmar for verification. Myanmar has confirmed that 180,000 of these refugees arrived from Myanmar, though discrepancies remain regarding 70,000 others, which both sides are working to resolve. Myanmar has also committed to speeding up the verification process for the remaining 550,000 Rohingyas.

Dr. Rahman confirmed that Bangladesh is maintaining communication with all relevant stakeholders, including Myanmar, the Arakan Army, the United Nations, and other friendly nations. Under the 2018 bilateral agreement, verification efforts continue, and Bangladesh has engaged with the Arakan Army, which has affirmed its support for repatriation.

Dr. Rahman further expressed optimism about repatriating the 180,000 verified refugees but cautioned that the process would not be immediate. He noted that the interim government hopes Rohingya refugees might be able to return to their homeland in time for the next Eid.

Regarding security concerns in Rakhine, where 80% of the region is controlled by the Arakan Army, Dr. Rahman acknowledged that ongoing conflicts could delay repatriation but highlighted substantial progress over the past few months. He also pointed to the international efforts to refocus attention on the crisis, including a dedicated UN conference on the Rohingya issue.

Dr. Khalil also recounted a visit with UN Secretary-General António Guterres to the refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar on March 15, where they shared iftar with 100,000 Rohingya refugees. During the visit, Guterres reiterated that repatriation is the only viable solution to the crisis, a view echoed by China in a recent diplomatic statement.

Dr. Rahman emphasized the need for an “enabling environment” for the returnees, stressing that repatriation cannot proceed without ensuring their safety and livelihood. He called for global collaboration to address the situation and said the only way forward is through a ceasefire between the warring parties in Myanmar.

He also addressed the UN Secretary-General’s proposed humanitarian "channel," clarifying that Bangladesh remains the sole viable route for delivering aid to Rakhine due to the control of the Tatmadaw (Myanmar's military) over the region’s coastline.

Dr. Rahman concluded by reiterating that the repatriation process is closely linked to restoring peace in Arakan, and Bangladesh is committed to a voluntary return process. “We are not alone in this effort,” he said, highlighting the shared responsibility of the international community in addressing the humanitarian needs of both the Rohingya and local Rakhine communities.