Prime Minister Tareque Rahman has called for a clear and credible roadmap for the speedy, safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas to resolve the Rohingya crisis permanently.
He stated, “Bangladesh does not want Rohingyas to remain displaced forever. This crisis originated in Myanmar, and its solution also lies in Myanmar.”
On Wednesday (September 23), the Prime Minister made these remarks at a high-level side event on the Rohingya crisis in New York. Co-hosted by Bangladesh and The Gambia, the event saw him emphasize the international community’s effective role in finding a lasting solution to the Rohingya crisis.
The Prime Minister mentioned that for decades, Rohingyas have been subjected to discrimination, oppression, and deprivation in Myanmar. Bangladesh witnessed several large influxes of Rohingyas in 1978 and throughout the 1980s. Repatriation arrangements were made during the governments led by Martyred President Ziaur Rahman and later by the late Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. However, the crisis further deteriorated after the violence in Myanmar in 2017.
He said that for more than nine years, Bangladesh has shouldered an immense humanitarian responsibility. Currently, over 1.2 million Rohingyas are sheltered in Bangladesh. People are still fleeing due to violence in Myanmar.
“Thousands of children are born in the camps every year, adding another generation to this protracted displacement. Mothers dream of a safe future. Young people are growing up in uncertainty. And the elderly cherish memories of the homes and villages they were forced to leave, longing to return,” the Prime Minister added.
Tareque Rahman stated that Bangladesh opened its borders due to humanitarian imperative. Food and healthcare are provided to Rohingyas in the camps. Children are receiving Myanmar curriculum-based education through nearly six thousand learning centers. Young people are being provided capacity building and skills development training so that they can be reintegrated into Myanmar’s Rakhine State in the future.
However, he noted that the camps are not an ideal place for long-term habitation.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the cost of protracted displacement is rising daily, not just for the Rohingyas but also for the host community in Cox’s Bazar. The social, economic, environmental, and security pressures on Bangladesh are now immense.
He also pointed out that prolonged uncertainty and frustration create risks of various transnational crimes, including human trafficking, illegal migrant smuggling, and drug trafficking. Some are undertaking perilous boat journeys to Malaysia, risking their lives.
“An unresolved crisis in one country can turn into a security challenge for the entire region,” the Prime Minister stated.
The Prime Minister expressed concern over the declining international humanitarian assistance for the Rohingya crisis. He said that as needs increase, the lifeline of humanitarian aid shrinks.
The 2025 Joint Response Plan appealed for over 934 million US dollars in assistance. For 2026, that appeal has been reduced to approximately 710 million dollars. This amount is only for meeting minimum life-saving needs.
“This trend cannot continue. We are deeply grateful to our international partners who have consistently stood by Bangladesh. Now, more than ever, we need their support,” he said.
However, the Prime Minister noted that the generosity of humanitarian aid cannot be an excuse for political inaction. Nor can Bangladesh be expected to bear this responsibility indefinitely.
The Prime Minister stated that the situation in Rakhine State remains deeply concerning. Rohingyas are still subjected to severe violations and abuses, including forced recruitment, arbitrary detention, restrictions on movement, forced labor, and other forms of insecurity.
He also informed that there have been reports of serious violations against both the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army.
Tareque Rahman added that as a result, conditions conducive to the safe and dignified repatriation of Rohingyas have not yet been ensured.
The Prime Minister proposed five urgent steps to resolve the Rohingya crisis.
First, international and regional stakeholders must formulate a clear and credible roadmap for the speedy, safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas.
Second, violence against Rohingyas and other civilian populations in Myanmar must cease. Their fundamental rights and security must be ensured in their homeland so that they regain confidence in returning.
Third, adequate and predictable humanitarian assistance must be ensured for Rohingyas. At the same time, support must be extended to the host communities so that their development aspirations are not hampered.
Fourth, justice and accountability must be ensured for sustainable repatriation. The Prime Minister praised The Gambia’s leadership in efforts to ensure accountability at the International Court of Justice. He also highlighted the role of other international judicial and investigative mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court.
“Those responsible for serious crimes must be held accountable,” the Prime Minister asserted.
Fifth, regional and international cooperation must be further strengthened to combat drug-based economy, human trafficking, digital fraud, illegal arms, and other cross-border crimes.
The Prime Minister reiterated that Bangladesh does not want Rohingyas to remain displaced forever. Bangladesh’s expectation is that they can return safely, voluntarily, with dignity, and with their rights protected to their homes in Myanmar.
“Bangladesh has fulfilled its humanitarian duty. Now, the international community must also fulfill its duty with firm determination. Bangladesh will be ready to assist in their repatriation once the necessary conditions are created,” he said.
Expressing hope that the future of Rohingyas will not be a story of oppression, expulsion, and displacement, the Prime Minister stated that their fate must be transformed into a story of justice, dignity, and hope.