Rohingya repatriation hinges on Arakan stability: Khalilur Rahman

Chief Adviser's High Representative Khalilur Rahman on Tuesday said the repatriation of Rohingyas from Bangladesh is unlikely to proceed unless the ongoing conflicts in Myanmar's Rakhine (Arakan) state are resolved.

"They [Rohingyas] are not leaving tomorrow. A repatriation process requires careful preparation — ensuring safety, livelihood opportunities and a stable environment. This is not unique to the Rohingya situation; it is fundamental to all repatriation processes," he told a press briefing held at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital.

Khalilur said Bangladesh's interim government is actively working towards that end in coordination with relevant international and regional actors.

He also elaborated key developments from the sixth Bimstec summit held in Bangkok from 3 to 4 April, saying that the conference highlighted regional cooperation, including discussions on the long-standing Rohingya crisis.

"During the summit, I met U Than Swe, Myanmar's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. We have made significant progress regarding repatriation," said Khalilur, adding, "Between 2018 and 2020, we submitted a list of 800,000 Rohingyas in six phases. Myanmar has reviewed 250,000 of these names and identified 180,000 people who they confirm arrived from Myanmar. However, there are some discrepancies regarding the remaining 70,000, which both sides are working to resolve."

Myanmar has also committed to accelerating the verification process for the remaining 550,000 Rohingyas.

He said Bangladesh is maintaining contact with all relevant stakeholders, including the Myanmar authorities, the Arakan Army, the United Nations, and friendly nations.

"Under the 2018 bilateral agreement between Bangladesh and Myanmar, verification has been ongoing. While Rakhine is a sovereign region of Myanmar, we have also engaged in dialogue with the Arakan Army, which publicly affirmed in September that repatriating the Rohingya is a key position for them. They reiterated this stance unequivocally during our discussions."

Khalilur emphasised, "We believe arrangements can be made to return these 180,000 individuals. While this won't happen overnight, we are striving to expedite the process with all stakeholders involved."

Khalilur also relayed the chief adviser's goal that Rohingya refugees may be able to celebrate the next Eid in their homeland.

Referring to concerns about instability in Rakhine, where 80 percent of the territory is under the control of the Arakan Army, Khalilur acknowledged that conflict may delay the repatriation.

He, however, highlighted substantial progress over the past three months. "This issue had been losing global attention, but thanks to efforts by the UN Secretary-General and the chief adviser, it has been brought back to the forefront. A dedicated international conference on the Rohingya crisis has also been secured at the UN."

On 15 March, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and UN Secretary-General António Guterres visited refugee camps in Cox's Bazar and shared iftar with around 100,000 Rohingya refugees.

During this visit, the UN secretary-general reiterated that repatriation is the only viable solution to the crisis — a view echoed in a joint statement with China during a recent diplomatic visit.

"This is the first time we have an agreed number," said Khalilur, referring to the 180,000 verified individuals. "It gives us a foundation to move forward."

He underscored the necessity of ensuring an "enabling environment" for returnees. "You cannot push a community back into a fire. Safety and means of livelihood must be guaranteed. We cannot do this alone — all parties must collaborate."

Regarding Bangladesh's role in promoting peace in Arakan, Khalilur said, "We are working with international organisations and various nations to address the humanitarian crisis and restore stability in the region. For any meaningful progress, a ceasefire between the warring parties is crucial."

He added, "Our discussions indicate that during humanitarian operations led by the UN, both sides are likely to observe a cessation of hostilities. We are hopeful that this will create the conditions needed for repatriation discussions to become more practical."

Responding to questions about the proposed humanitarian corridor mentioned by the UN secretary-general, Khalilur said, "He used the term 'channel' rather than 'corridor' due to the legal implications. Bangladesh remains the only viable conduit for delivering aid, given that Rakhine's coast remains under Tatmadaw control, making other access points infeasible."

Highlighting the broader humanitarian dimension, Khalilur said, "This is not just about the Rohingya. Many in the Rakhine community are suffering — from food shortages to lack of medical aid. Both communities have borne heavy losses in this conflict. Supporting them is not only our responsibility but that of the entire international community."

Describing Bangladesh's evolving approach over the past eight years, he said, "The repatriation issue must be seen as an integrated process. Ensuring peace in Arakan and Rohingya repatriation are inherently linked. No one can be pushed back into a warzone. We are committed to voluntary repatriation, and the willingness to return is evident. The only hurdle is ensuring a safe and stable environment."

"This is a multidimensional challenge. Many elements were previously absent, but now the dimensions are coming together. And we are not alone in this effort," he added.