Political will, sustained diplomatic engagement, and stronger international pressure on Myanmar are essential to resolving the Rohingya crisis, experts and government representatives said at a roundtable in Dhaka on Sunday.
Speakers at the discussion said humanitarian assistance alone would not solve the crisis, which requires a broader political, security and geopolitical approach.
The roundtable titled “The Rohingya Crisis: Emerging Challenges & Reframing Response Strategies” was organised by Institute for Global Cooperation Foundation at the BIISS auditorium in Dhaka.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the Rohingya crisis was not only a security issue for Bangladesh but also a regional security concern.
He said Bangladesh must continue protecting the Rohingya population while ensuring the security of its own citizens, adding that stronger security measures around the camps were needed to reduce criminal activities.
“The support of the United Nations and the international community is essential to repatriate the Rohingyas to Myanmar,” Salahuddin Ahmed said, adding that political will was critical for repatriation.
Adviser to the Prime Minister on Public Administration Md Ismail Zabihullah said the situation had become more complex and required a clear roadmap for safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation.
He said Bangladesh did not seek confrontation but wanted effective political pressure on Myanmar alongside a workable repatriation plan.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam said the Rohingya verification process could not continue indefinitely and urged Myanmar to complete it without further delay.
She also called for stronger engagement from regional organisations to address the crisis.
Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies Director General ASM Ridwanur Rahman said recognising Rohingya citizenship rights must be part of any lasting solution.
He suggested that regional connectivity initiatives, including the China-Myanmar-Bangladesh Economic Corridor, could support constructive engagement, given its connection to the Rakhine region.
ActionAid Bangladesh Country Director Farah Kabir said Bangladesh had demonstrated humanitarian responsibility by sheltering the Rohingya population but warned that humanitarian support should not delay repatriation efforts.
Osmani Centre for Peace and Security Studies Chairman Md Mahfuzur Rahman said stronger deterrence had helped Bangladesh achieve previous Rohingya repatriation efforts in 1979 and 1993.
University of Dhaka Professor of International Relations Niloy Ranjan Biswas said concerns raised by regional organisations must be converted into effective political pressure on Myanmar.
Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Mohammed Mizanur Rahman said conditions in Rohingya camps had become increasingly challenging and required a coordinated government action plan involving relevant agencies.
Speakers said the prolonged crisis was placing pressure on Bangladesh’s economy, security, environment and host communities, making a comprehensive strategy necessary.
The session was moderated by North South University Professor of Political Science and Sociology Bulbul Siddiqi.
Institute for Global Cooperation Foundation CEO Chowdhury Adnan Rahman delivered the welcome remarks.
Representatives from UNHCR Bangladesh, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, universities, security institutions, civil society and media also attended the roundtable.
