Bangladesh seeks regional coalition for Rohingya repatriation

Bangladesh is seeking to form a strategic regional coalition to ensure the safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar. Speaking at a seminar in Dhaka, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed emphasized that individual efforts by Bangladesh are insufficient and called for coordinated diplomatic action involving China, ASEAN, the United Nations, and Japan.

The Home Minister noted that the recent election of a Bangladeshi representative to the President of the United Nations General Assembly provides an opportunity to strengthen international pressure. He also highlighted recent discussions with Japan’s special envoy for Myanmar national reconciliation, noting that the Japanese government has assured full cooperation. Further discussions regarding the acceleration of the repatriation process are expected during the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit to Japan.

Addressing the complex security situation in Rakhine State, the Home Minister acknowledged that the Arakan Army currently controls significant portions of the region alongside the legal government. Consequently, Bangladesh is exploring various diplomatic channels, including informal communications, to find a path toward a peaceful and sustainable solution.