Minister Outlines Need for Coordinated Regional Alliance
Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated that the country’s efforts alone are insufficient to ensure the sustainable repatriation of forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals. He emphasized the necessity of a coordinated regional alliance involving China, ASEAN, the United Nations, Japan, and other stakeholders to address the crisis.
Ahmed made these remarks as the chief guest at a seminar on the Rohingya crisis organized by the Foundation for Strategic and Development Studies (FSDS). The event took place at the Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel in Dhaka on Sunday.
The seminar was chaired by FSDS Chairman Major General (retd) Fazle Elahi Akbar. Mohammad Ismail Zabiullah, adviser to the prime minister on the Ministry of Public Administration, attended as a special guest.
Diplomatic Engagements and Geopolitical Shifts
Ahmed said Bangladesh remains committed to the safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable return of forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals. He noted that coordinated regional and international diplomatic efforts are being strengthened to achieve this goal.
The minister highlighted recent diplomatic activity with Japan, noting that Sasakawa, Japan’s special envoy for national reconciliation in Myanmar and chairman of the Nippon Foundation, recently visited Bangladesh. During this visit, the prime minister and home minister held detailed discussions on repatriation and received assurances of full cooperation from the Japanese government.
Ahmed added that the prime minister is scheduled to visit Japan later this month for further discussions aimed at accelerating the repatriation process.
Security Landscape in Rakhine State
Referring to the changing geopolitical and security situation in Rakhine State, Salahuddin said the Arakan Army controls a substantial part of the territory alongside the Myanmar government. He stated that this dynamic has led Bangladesh to explore solutions through various diplomatic channels, including informal contacts.
The minister stated that peaceful repatriation remains the primary objective. He added that Bangladesh will continue diplomatic dialogue while keeping all options open as a last resort.
International Pressure and Strategic Diplomacy
Speaking to journalists, Salahuddin said Bangladesh’s representative being elected president of the United Nations General Assembly this year created an opportunity to raise the repatriation issue more strongly before the international community. He expressed hope that discussions with international partners, including China, Japan, India, the United States, and the European Union, would help establish a path towards sustainable repatriation.
Public Administration Adviser Ismail Zabiullah said the Rohingya crisis is closely linked to national interests, regional stability, and international geopolitics. He called for a shift from crisis management to strategic diplomacy and from temporary relief to sustainable repatriation.
Zabiullah stressed the need to protect Rohingya refugees’ humanitarian rights and security while increasing international pressure on Myanmar to ensure their safe and dignified return.
Academic Perspectives on Sustainable Solutions
Three papers were presented at the seminar. Professor Dr ASM Ali Ashraf discussed the changing political and security landscape in Myanmar, while Professor Shahab Enam Khan presented on development, connectivity, and repatriation in Rakhine. Brigadier General (retd) Shafayat Ahmad outlined regional diplomacy and Bangladesh’s strategic options.
Speakers at the seminar stressed that a sustainable solution requires security, citizenship, housing, livelihoods, and acceptance by local communities for those returning to their homeland.