United national election can resolve Rohingya crisis: Adviser Faruk-e-Azam
“The Rohingya issue has faded from the global stage, but we are striving to raise it in all international forums. This crisis is not just Bangladesh’s – it is a global concern. It must be resolved collectively at the international level,” he said.
If the upcoming national election in Bangladesh is conducted in a united manner, it will create a favourable environment for resolving the Rohingya crisis, Disaster Management and Relief Adviser Faruk-e-Azam has said.
"To resolve the crisis, Bangladesh must maintain a strong political position," he said at a discussion held at the Chattogram Press Club today (26 Spetember).
"If the upcoming election in Bangladesh is conducted in a united and credible manner, it will create a favourable environment for resolving the Rohingya crisis, and our voice will be much stronger," he added.
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The adviser further said the Rohingya issue involves the interests of multiple neighbouring countries as armed groups are emerging beyond Myanmar. "Large numbers of refugees are involved in drug trafficking, funding cross-border militias, and creating social problems in Cox's Bazar."
"The Rohingya issue has faded from the global stage, but we are striving to raise it in all international forums. This crisis is not just Bangladesh's – it is a global concern. It must be resolved collectively at the international level," he said.
Referring to children born in Rohingya refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, he said, "These children are stateless and lack a homeland. Many are becoming closely intertwined with Bangladeshi culture. This crisis deserves thorough discussion in academic circles and universities."
The programme was organised by Chattogram Forum on "Rohingya Crisis in the Eyes of Chattogram: Humanity, Security and Future". The event, chaired by Bangladesh Human Rights Foundation Secretary Zia Habib Ahsan and moderated by Chattogram Metropolitan Journalists' Union Secretary Saleh Noman, included presentations from academics, government officials, and civil society representatives.
Additional Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) (Joint Secretary) Abu Saleh Md Obaidullah highlighted improvements in refugee camp security.
He said targeted killings stopped after the current government assumed office. He also praised Bangladesh's efforts at the UN to draw international attention to the crisis.
Saeed Ahsan Khalid, associate law professor at Chittagong University, of underscored Bangladesh's humanitarian response in 2017 and suggested legal avenues remain open to hold Myanmar accountable for genocide in Rakhine.
