Dhaka: Prime Minister's Defence Adviser Brigadier General (retd) AKM Shamsul Islam on Monday emphasized the need for Bangladesh to maintain active and sustained pressure for the repatriation of Rohingyas. This approach should be supported by a coordinated diplomatic and credible, sustainable security strategy.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Shamsul Islam highlighted that the Rohingya crisis extends beyond a national issue, framing it as a humanitarian security concern, a national security challenge, and a threat to regional stability. His remarks were delivered during a seminar titled 'Challenges of Rohingya Repatriation: International Politics and National Priorities,' which was jointly organized by the Department of International Relations and the Centre for Genocide Studies of Dhaka University.
The seminar took place at the Professor Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium of the Faculty of Social Sciences, with Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr ABM Obaidul Islam attending as the guest of honour and Department of International Relations Chairman Prof Dr ASM Ali Ashraf chairing the event.
Shamsul Islam reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring national security and sovereignty, while also focusing on Bangladesh's development. He pointed out that Bangladesh has shown considerable generosity over the past nine years, but this should not be mistaken as an indefinite commitment to the Rohingya issue, which was not created by Bangladesh and cannot be resolved by the country alone.
He stated that permanently assuming responsibility for the Rohingyas is neither morally nor strategically viable for Bangladesh. He warned that inaction would only worsen the situation, insisting that the only viable path is to maintain proactive and persistent pressure for repatriation, backed by a coherent diplomatic and security strategy.
The adviser also called for international cooperation to address the crisis effectively.