Rohingya crisis becoming regional security threat: Salahuddin
He said there is no alternative to a political solution to create conditions for their safe and sustainable return.
Home Affairs Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today (6 September) warned that the Rohingya crisis is gradually becoming a regional security threat, calling for a shift from managing the humanitarian crisis to ensuring protection and sustainable repatriation to Myanmar.
Speaking as chief guest at a seminar titled "Rohingya Crisis: Emerging Challenges and Sustainable Strategies" at the BIISS auditorium in Dhaka, he said there is no alternative to a political solution to create conditions for their safe and sustainable return.
Crisis becoming regional security threat
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"This whole-of-government approach is essential because the Rohingya crisis today has both humanitarian and security dimensions, which require the highest level of political attention. As you know, this is not only a security threat for Bangladesh. Gradually, it is becoming a regional security threat," he said.
"After managing this crisis for nearly a decade, the security and domestic challenges have become immense," he added.
He urged the international community to intensify efforts to restore stability in Myanmar's Rakhine State. "There is no alternative to resolving the Rohingya crisis quickly, as the security and humanitarian situation is becoming increasingly critical," he said.
The minister also expressed concern over growing violence against women and drug trafficking in Rohingya camps, saying these developments threaten overall security and increasingly affect host communities.
"Our past experience tells us that repatriation is possible when there is political will, effective diplomacy and international cooperation. The present government is equally determined to build on that experience," he said.
While acknowledging the importance of humanitarian assistance, he said it cannot substitute for a long-term political solution. "Humanitarian assistance is necessary, but it should not be allowed to become a prolonged arrangement. We must move toward a lasting solution to the crisis," he said.
He called on the international community to intensify diplomatic and political efforts to create conditions for safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation.
Dhaka seeks security, rights in Rakhine
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam stressed the need for security, legal recognition, freedom of movement, livelihoods, education, healthcare, and respect for Rohingyas' identity and rights in Rakhine.
"We need appropriate conditions there. We need security there; we need respect for identity (Rohingyas) and rights there. We need legal recognition for the Rohingyas there; we need freedom of movement there; we need access to livelihoods, education and healthcare," she said.
"We need confidence that return will not result in another cycle of displacement. We need dialogues aiming towards reconciliation," she said, seeking stronger international engagement. She expressed optimism that diplomacy and international support could make repatriation a reality.
