It is encouraging to see Bangladesh taking active measures to put renewed pressure on the international community to help resolve the Rohingya crisis, and facilitate their safe, voluntary, and dignified return to Myanmar.
During his visit to New York for the UN General Assembly, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman sought continued international cooperation for a sustainable solution to the crisis during a meeting with UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Myanmar Julie Bishop. Bangladesh also co-hosted a high-level side event on the Rohingya crisis, aimed at renewing international political and humanitarian support and strengthening accountability efforts.
These are undoubtedly important steps. For years, Bangladesh has carried an enormous humanitarian responsibility while the Rohingya have remained trapped in prolonged displacement. Now, more than nine years after the massive influx of 2017, the crisis cannot be allowed to become an accepted permanent reality.
International concern has produced humanitarian assistance, statements, and diplomatic engagement, but these have yet to deliver the outcome Bangladesh and the Rohingya need most: A safe and sustainable return home.
As Bangladesh has rightly emphasized, repatriation cannot simply mean crossing the border. Myanmar must provide conditions that guarantee security, rights, and dignity.
That is why sustained international pressure is essential. The UN, regional powers, and other influential countries must do more to address the conditions that have prevented meaningful repatriation. Myanmar must also face continued pressure to create an environment in which the Rohingya can return voluntarily and with confidence in their future.
Bangladesh should continue using every diplomatic platform available to keep this issue at the forefront of international attention. The current efforts are a welcome indication that we are not prepared to let the crisis fade from the global agenda.
We have wanted successful repatriation for years; it is time to finally make it happen. Continued diplomacy must now translate into coordinated international action, concrete pressure and, ultimately, a dignified return for the Rohingya to their homeland.
