Rohingya Repatriation Remains a Distant Prospect: Foreign Affairs Advisor

Staff Correspondent

The ongoing civil war in Myanmar, internal divisions, and the persistent lack of guarantees for security and citizenship have rendered the possibility of Rohingya repatriation distant, remarked Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Touhid Hossain. He stated that repatriation will only occur once security is assured.

Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled “Repatriation of Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh: Impact on Regional Security and Future Prospects,” held on Sunday at the Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP), he shared his insights.

The advisor said, “We have yet to find an effective solution to this crisis. Two critical aspects of repatriation are rights and security. Without addressing these, the Rohingyas will not return. We are not under any unreasonable expectations—can we send them back to the place they fled to escape persecution?”

He expressed skepticism about resolving the Rohingya issue through bilateral talks with Myanmar, emphasizing that substantial changes within Myanmar must occur and be internationally recognized. “This is a challenging and long-term process, and unity is essential to achieve it,” he added.

The advisor stressed the importance of ensuring that the international community’s focus on the Rohingya crisis does not waver amidst other global conflicts.

Md. Touhid Hossain also underscored the necessity of having a clear roadmap for Rohingya repatriation.