Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shama Obaed Islam, has sharply criticized the previous administration led by Sheikh Hasina, accusing it of failing to deliver a viable solution to the protracted Rohingya crisis.
Speaking to journalists at her residence on Monday, the minister said the current government is pursuing a more comprehensive strategy that integrates political engagement and diplomatic coordination to address the issue.
She emphasized that the situation along the Bangladesh–Myanmar border remains “extremely volatile,” requiring careful and calibrated handling of any repatriation process.
“This is not only a diplomatic issue—it is deeply political,” she stated, underscoring the complexity of resolving the crisis.
Islam confirmed that Bangladesh has initiated communication with both Myanmar’s governing authorities and the Arakan Army (AA), reflecting a shift toward multi-channel engagement aimed at securing conditions conducive to safe and sustainable repatriation.
“We want to repatriate the Rohingya population, but ensuring a safe environment for their return is essential,” she said.
The minister stressed that Bangladesh cannot resolve the crisis in isolation, calling for coordinated international support involving ASEAN member states, China, India, Muslim-majority countries, and Western governments.
Describing the Rohingya crisis as a global humanitarian and geopolitical issue, she reiterated that while Bangladesh has provided refuge on humanitarian grounds, long-term resolution depends on strategic, internationally supported repatriation frameworks.
She also referenced ongoing domestic legal proceedings related to alleged crimes against humanity during the past 17 years, stating that the government remains committed to accountability under national law.
Analytical Context (Investigative Layer)
The minister’s remarks come at a time when conditions inside northern Rakhine State are undergoing significant transformation under the de facto control of the Arakan Army.
Emerging evidence suggests that repatriation efforts may face structural barriers tied not only to security concerns but also to governance practices on the ground. These include contested administrative authority, demographic control measures, and evolving systems of documentation that could affect Rohingya claims to citizenship, land, and identity.
The growing necessity for Bangladesh to engage both state and non-state actors reflects a fundamental shift in the conflict landscape—where traditional bilateral diplomacy is increasingly insufficient.
