Dhaka:Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has reiterated Bangladesh's dedication to ensuring the safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable repatriation of displaced Rohingya individuals to Myanmar.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Ahmed made these remarks while attending a seminar titled 'Rohingya Crisis Way Forward - Towards Sustainable Repatriation and a Durable Regional Solution,' organized by the Foundation for Strategic and Development Studies at the Radisson Blu Water Garden in Dhaka.
The Home Minister highlighted that Bangladesh's unilateral actions alone would not suffice for sustainable repatriation. He called for a strategic regional alliance and coordinated efforts involving China, ASEAN, the United Nations, Japan, and other stakeholders. He also mentioned that the Prime Minister plans to visit Japan to discuss accelerating the repatriation process.
Ahmed pointed out the current geopolitical and security situation in Myanmar's Rakhine State, where the Arakan Army controls significant territory. In light of this, Bangladesh is pursuing solutions through various diplomatic avenues, including informal channels. He emphasized that peaceful repatriation remains the main goal, with all options kept open as a last resort.
Public Administration Adviser Md. Ismail Zabiullah, speaking at the seminar, emphasized the Rohingya crisis's connection to national interests, regional stability, and international geopolitics. He called for a shift from crisis management to strategic diplomacy and from temporary relief to sustainable repatriation.
Zabiullah also stressed protecting the Rohingyas' humanitarian rights, ensuring their security, mobilizing international support, and pressuring Myanmar to facilitate their return.
After the seminar, the Home Minister mentioned that Bangladesh's election as President of the United Nations General Assembly presents an opportunity to address the repatriation issue more assertively on the international stage. He expressed optimism that collaborative discussions with international and regional partners could lead to a swift and sustainable solution.
The seminar was attended by local and foreign diplomats, international organization representatives, retired military officers, researchers, academics, and media representatives.