CA Urges Humanitarian Channel in Rakhine to Prevent Displacement

“With recent developments in Rakhine, and warnings from the UNDP about an impending famine, it is crucial to establish a humanitarian channel in Rakhine to supply basic necessities to the population and stop further displacement,” Dr. Yunus said during his address at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok.

The Chief Adviser highlighted the long-standing Rohingya crisis, stressing that if left unresolved, it could destabilize the entire region. He called on BIMSTEC to play a proactive role in fostering dialogue to resolve the internal conflicts, particularly between the conflicting parties in Rakhine.

“BIMSTEC must take more visible actions to engage Myanmar and work towards bringing stability to Rakhine. Only by creating a stable environment can the forcibly displaced Rohingyas return to Myanmar in safety and dignity,” Dr. Yunus stated.

Prof. Yunus also emphasized the importance of meaningful participation by BIMSTEC member states in the upcoming “High-Level Conference on the Situation of Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities in Myanmar,” scheduled for September 2025 under the auspices of the UN. He expressed hope for high-level political participation from BIMSTEC countries at the conference.

In his remarks, Dr. Yunus recalled the historic visit of UN Secretary-General António Guterres to Bangladesh in March 2025, during which he expressed full solidarity with the rights of the Rohingyas, particularly their right to return to Myanmar with dignity and safety.

The Summit was attended by Thai Prime Minister and Chairperson Paetongtarn Shinawatra, BIMSTEC Secretary General Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey, and distinguished heads of delegations from BIMSTEC member states.