Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser and Special Envoy, Khalilur Rahman, has called for the “swift and permanent” repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar, saying it would ultimately benefit all stakeholders. He made the appeal on Sunday while briefing foreign diplomats and international development partners at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka.
Rahman highlighted the UN conference scheduled for September 30 as a critical moment to refocus global attention on the Rohingya crisis. “We almost saw this issue slip off the international agenda,” he said, recalling last year’s appeal by the Chief Adviser at the UN General Assembly. That address secured unanimous support for the conference, which is now co-sponsored by 106 nations.
Since Rohingya refugees lack formal UN membership, Bangladesh will serve as their voice at the upcoming gathering. Rahman described the event as “a unique opportunity to chart a roadmap for a lasting solution for the Rohingyas and the wider global community.”
When questioned about a preparatory conference in Cox’s Bazar on August 25, Rahman reiterated that aid alone cannot be a permanent fix. “How long can we sustain them with aid? They need to return home,” he said. While emergency assistance remains vital to prevent further humanitarian disasters, he stressed that repatriation must be the ultimate goal.
Over the past eight years, Bangladesh has spent more than $5 billion to support Rohingya refugees an unprecedented financial burden for the country. Rahman also noted that the refugee areas in Myanmar are fertile and resource-rich, underlining the potential for sustainable livelihoods once safe return is assured.
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