Cox's bazar: Urging the international community to take stronger action to ensure justice, repatriation, and stability for the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today placed a seven-point proposal to resolve the protracted Rohingya crisis. "It is not only the responsibility of Bangladesh, but also of the international community to share the burden of the Rohingya crisis, to reflect on the possible solutions, and play an active role in implementing those," he said. The chief adviser made these remarks while addressing the ongoing three-day international conference titled "Stakeholders' Dialogue: Takeaways to the High-Level Conference on Rohingya Situation". The conference aims to engage global stakeholders to find solutions to the prolonged Rohingya crisis.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Prof Yunus formally inaugurated the main session of the stakeholders' dialogue today. Explaining the proposals, the chief adviser emphasized that the umbilical relationship of the Rohingyas with their homeland cannot be severed, and their rights to return must be secured. He urged all parties to work towards a practical roadmap for their safe, dignified, voluntary, and sustainable return to Rakhine. The second point called for the undiminished contribution of donors and humanitarian partners to ensure continuity of life-saving programs, appealing to international donors to fill funding gaps in the Joint Response Plan for 2025-26.
Prof Yunus highlighted that all acts of violence against the Rohingya must cease immediately, urging Myanmar authorities and the Arakan Army to ensure the safety and security of the Rohingyas and prevent further displacement into Bangladesh. He called for a platform for consultation to commence communication and reduce tension among ethnic communities in Myanmar. The fifth point stressed the indispensable role of the international community, particularly ASEAN and neighboring countries, in creating a conducive environment in Rakhine. The chief adviser also urged for actions against transboundary organized crimes that affect regional stability.
In the sixth point, Prof Yunus implored regional and international stakeholders to stand firmly against the crime of ethnic cleansing. He called on the international community to enhance ongoing accountability processes, including those at the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court, to ensure justice and end genocide and crimes against humanity. Noting the significant influx of Rohingyas into Bangladesh in August 2017, Prof Yunus highlighted the ongoing persecution and fresh arrivals, urging immediate international action.
Referring to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' visit to Cox's Bazar, where Guterres fasted and broke his fast with Rohingyas, Prof Yunus emphasized the community's desire to return home. He recalled his previous proposals at the United Nations General Assembly and expressed hope that the dialogue in Cox's Bazar would contribute to shaping a roadmap for a permanent solution. Prof Yunus stressed that Bangladesh, despite resource constraints, has hosted 1.3 million Rohingyas, making Cox's Bazar the largest refugee camp globally.
The chief adviser called for global support, stating that the Rohingya crisis originated in Myanmar and its resolution lies there. He urged all parties to act with resolve to end the crisis, reiterating Bangladesh's commitment to a sustainable solution. Prof Yunus closed with a call to the international community to support the Rohingyas' dignified return, justice, and accountability. The event observed a minute of silence for the Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day, with a documentary on the Rohingya persecution screened. High Representative for the Rohingya Issue Khalilur Rahman and other notable figures spoke at the event, attended by a diverse group of participants, including diplomats, experts, and representatives from various political and community organizations.