06/09/2026
Bangladesh Calls for Stronger Global Engagement to Secure Sustainable Rohingya Repatriation
Arakan Press , September 6, 2026
Bangladesh has called for intensified international engagement to address the protracted Rohingya crisis, warning that a durable resolution will remain elusive without sustained political pressure and coordinated action from the international community.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed made the remarks on Sunday at a round-table discussion in Dhaka titled “The Rohingya Crisis: Emerging Challenges & Reframing Response Strategies,” organized by the Institute for Global Cooperation Foundation (IGCF) at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS).
Salahuddin stressed that the Rohingya crisis must remain firmly on the international agenda despite competing conflicts and humanitarian emergencies elsewhere.
He urged the United Nations, major global powers, international human rights organizations and humanitarian agencies, including the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), to strengthen diplomatic and political efforts aimed at creating conditions for the safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable return of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar.
“Through joint efforts and effective diplomacy by the international community, we must ensure the rapid and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees to their homeland in Myanmar,” the minister said.
According to Salahuddin, a permanent settlement to the crisis would require direct political engagement from influential countries and stronger involvement by the United Nations.
He said Bangladesh is currently hosting nearly 1.5 million forcibly displaced Rohingya, describing the prolonged humanitarian burden as a major challenge for the country after more than nine years of displacement.
The minister also highlighted growing security concerns in and around the refugee camps, alleging an increase in criminal activities, arms and narcotics trafficking, human trafficking, gender-based violence and the activities of armed groups.
“These developments have created serious challenges to Bangladesh’s internal security,” he said, adding that communities living near the camps and the surrounding environment have also faced increasing pressure.
Salahuddin said measures including enhanced camp security, fencing and regulated movement have become necessary to curb criminal activities while protecting both refugees and host communities.
He said the government remains committed to achieving what he described as a “100% successful repatriation” and has established a National Strategy Formulation Committee on Rohingya Affairs under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
A separate high-level committee led by Salahuddin, he said, is overseeing issues related to law and order, border management and inter-agency coordination.
The minister said the government is pursuing a “whole-of-government” approach involving civilian authorities, security agencies and defence institutions to address the multifaceted challenges surrounding the Rohingya crisis.
At the same time, he cautioned against relying indefinitely on humanitarian assistance without a credible political roadmap for repatriation.
“Going beyond emergency relief assistance, we need to move quickly towards a transitional strategy,” Salahuddin said, arguing that the priority should be to establish conditions in Myanmar’s Rakhine State that would facilitate the return of Rohingya refugees.
He maintained that sustained international engagement, national coordination and a robust security framework would be essential to achieving a durable solution.
The minister’s remarks come as the Rohingya crisis enters its tenth year since the mass displacement of more than 700,000 Rohingya from Myanmar’s Rakhine State in 2017, while successive attempts to initiate repatriation have failed to produce a sustainable return process.
Prime Minister’s Adviser on Public Administration Md Ismail Zabihullah attended the discussion as the guest of honour, while State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam participated as a special guest.
