Dhaka:State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has raised concerns about the Rohingya crisis becoming a security issue for Bangladesh, emphasizing the importance of maintaining international attention on the matter. Speaking at a national policy dialogue organized by Neeti Gobeshona Kendro, she highlighted the challenges of keeping the Rohingya issue relevant on the global stage.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the dialogue, titled "A Sustainable Approach to the Resolution of the Rohingya Crisis Outline of a National Strategy and External Contribution," took place at the CIRDAP Auditorium. Shama Obaed stressed the need for Bangladesh to press the international community to engage meaningfully with Myanmar to create conditions for the safe and dignified return of the Rohingyas. She also called for a national political consensus to address the crisis.
Bangladesh currently hosts over 1.3 million Rohingyas, with the number continuing to grow, which places increasing pressure on local communities and the national economy. The State Minister underscored the importance of ensuring the dignity of the Rohingyas and mentioned that a National Strategy Formulation Committee on the Rohingya issue has been established. The committee is involved in discussions with Myanmar and the Arakan Army to continue bilateral engagements.
Former Ambassador Mohammad Sufiur Rahman noted that the crisis had been imposed on Bangladesh, with the solution lying in Rakhine. He highlighted the challenges of establishing a unified voice among the Rohingya and stressed the need for internal cohesion within Bangladesh to exert effective international pressure.
Lieutenant General (Retd.) Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman, Chairman of the Osmani Centre for Peace and Security Studies, emphasized the need for a clear message to the Arakan Army and noted the respect for military strength in Myanmar, which the Rohingya lack.
Hummam Quader Chowdhury, a Member of Parliament from Chattogram-7, pointed out that discussions often focus on problems rather than solutions. He called for a more realistic approach, especially after the discontinuation of USAID funding.
Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hossain suggested considering China's potential role in addressing the Rohingya issue, given India's lack of interest in repatriation.
The dialogue aimed to facilitate constructive engagement among various stakeholders in developing a sustainable and comprehensive approach to resolving the crisis. The need for diplomatic engagement, political consensus, and meaningful participation of the Rohingya community was emphasized as vital for finding a durable solution to the humanitarian and geopolitical challenge.