Dhaka:Bangladesh remains committed to the safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable repatriation of displaced Rohingya people back to Myanmar, according to Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Ahmed emphasized the importance of coordinated regional and international diplomatic efforts during a seminar titled 'Rohingya Crisis Way Forward - Towards Sustainable Repatriation and a Durable Regional Solution'. The event was organized by the Foundation for Strategic and Development Studies (FSDS) and took place at the Radisson Blu Water Garden in Dhaka.
The seminar was chaired by FSDS Chairman Major General (retd) Fazle Elahi Akbar, with Md. Ismail Zabiullah, Adviser to the Prime Minister on the Ministry of Public Administration, attending as a special guest. The Home Minister highlighted that Bangladesh's unilateral efforts are insufficient for sustainable repatriation and called for a strategic regional alliance involving China, ASEAN, the United Nations, Japan, and other stakeholders.
Ahmed noted that the Prime Minister's upcoming visit to Japan could further discussions on accelerating the repatriation process. He pointed to the changing geopolitical and security situation in Myanmar's Rakhine State, mentioning that the Arakan Army controls a significant part of the territory. Bangladesh is pursuing diplomatic solutions through various channels, including informal communication, to address the issue.
Zabiullah stressed that the Rohingya crisis is not just a humanitarian or bilateral issue, but also one connected to regional stability and international geopolitics. He advocated for a shift from crisis management to strategic diplomacy and from temporary relief to sustainable repatriation.
The Home Minister also mentioned that Bangladesh's election as President of the United Nations General Assembly presents an opportunity to elevate the repatriation issue on the international stage. He expressed hope that discussions with the international community, supported by allies such as China, Japan, India, the United States, and the European Union, would pave the way for a swift and sustainable solution.
The seminar was attended by diplomats, international organization representatives, retired military officers, researchers, academics, and media personnel.