Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus said that the repatriation of more than one million displaced Rohingya people to their homeland in Myanmar’s Rakhine State remains the only viable and sustainable solution to the protracted crisis.
He urged the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to maintain strong and active engagement to facilitate the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of the refugees.
Yunus made the remarks during a courtesy call by Ivo Freijsen, the newly appointed UNHCR country representative to Bangladesh, at the State Guest House Jamuna.
During the meeting, Freijsen drew attention to a “dramatic decline” in international aid for Rohingya refugees living in camps in Cox’s Bazar, stressing the urgent need to enhance self-reliance and livelihood opportunities within the settlements.
The chief adviser said the Rohingya crisis was no longer receiving the level of international attention it deserved, despite efforts by Bangladesh’s interim government to raise global awareness. He cited several high-profile initiatives over the past year, including a visit by the UN Secretary-General to the refugee camps during Ramadan, which helped refocus international attention on the humanitarian emergency.
Yunus warned that a prolonged stay of the Rohingya in camps could never be a lasting solution, noting that it had already created social and economic pressures on host communities. He called for renewed and coordinated international efforts to ensure early repatriation.
“The problem began in Myanmar, and the solution must also come from there. A frustrated and angry young generation is growing up in the camps with access to technology. This is not good news for anyone. Our responsibility is to ensure their return to their homeland in peace and dignity,” he said.
The discussion also covered the Rohingya situation on Bhasan Char island, the upcoming general elections and referendum, and Bangladesh’s ongoing democratic transition. Yunus noted that many refugees had left shelters on Bhasan Char and blended into the mainland population, creating additional challenges for the country.
Freijsen informed the chief adviser that Barham Salih, the newly appointed UNHCR High Commissioner, has expressed keen interest in visiting Bangladesh soon and is expected to tour the Rohingya camps. His predecessor, Filippo Grandi, visited the camps multiple times since 2017.
Chief Adviser Yunus also said Bangladesh is fully prepared to hold free, fair, and festive elections.
“We want to set a new benchmark in conducting elections. All our efforts are focused on ensuring a credible and well-managed poll. For first-time and young voters, we want the process to be inclusive, enjoyable, and celebratory,” he added.
