United News of Bangladesh

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, now in Istanbul, on sought intensified humanitarian contributions for Rohingyas, stressing that the pressure on Bangladesh’s economy, environment and local communities is unsustainable. "We are facing mounting humanitarian, developmental and security-related challenges," he said while speaking at the OIC Ad Hoc Ministerial Committee on Accountability for Human Rights Violations against the Rohingyas. Bangladesh has shown "extraordinary compassion and responsibility" by sheltering over 1.3 million forcibly displaced Rohingyas despite experiencing a snowballing of the crises. Since November 2023, over 118,000 more Rohingyas have arrived due to renewed violence and instability. A “high-level conference on the situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar” will be organised on 30 September 2025 in New York on the sidelines of UNGA.  "We expect high-level participations from the OIC countries," Adviser Hossain said. He said OIC may engage the member states to provide required financial support to run case at ICJ by the Gambia. Now the Gambia will need full solidarity, support and cooperation. Dhaka voices deep concern over attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities "I would like to request our brothers to extend more financial support to the OIC fund for this case," Hossain said, adding that ensuring justice will boost confidence of the Rohingyas to return to Myanmar. For the Rohingya community, he said, Bangladesh has done its part - perhaps more than its share. "We now look to the OIC and the international community to uphold their moral and legal responsibilities. Our call today is not just for charity, but also for justice, solidarity, and shared accountability. Let us reaffirm, as one Ummah, that the Rohingyas will not be forgotten," said the Adviser. Recently, the situation in Rakhine has undergone dramatic changes. The Arakan Army now controls the 271-km Bangladesh-Myanmar Border and 14 of Rakhine’s 17 townships. As of May 2025, the number of reported internally displacement persons in Rakhine is around 587,000 (Five hundred and Eighty-Seven Thousand). "Due to the ongoing conflict, another 1,18,000 Myanmar nationals have fled to Bangladesh recently. All these influxes are further straining Bangladesh’s limited resources," Hossain said. The world is now going through multiple conflict situations. First batch of Bangladeshis likely to return home from Iran next week "The humanitarian needs are rising dramatically in different corners. The assistance for Rohingyas staying in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char has also been affected due to inadequate funding," he said. There is an alarming downward trend of humanitarian support for Rohingyas in Bangladesh. Only 68% of the UN estimated required fund for 2024 has been received last year. The 2025-26 JRP was launched with a pledged amount of USD 934.5 million for 1.48 million people. Due to fund shortage Unicef has closed learning facilities since 3rd of June. Moreover, WFP has cut the food ration twice. However, it will decline further if funds are not available by September. "We appreciate the humanitarian support provided by the OIC member States," said Adviser Hossain.  At this juncture of a critical time, he said they are witnessing with great sorrow the increasing victimization of Muslims across the world. The Rohingya tragedy is not an isolated episode - it is part of a broader pattern of injustice against Muslim populations, said the Adviser. He called upon the OIC to assume a more assertive and coordinated role. This includes sustaining international legal action, enhancing advocacy, mobilizing humanitarian resources, and working with global actors to facilitate durable repatriation of the Rohingyas with rights, protection, and dignity, Hossain said. "Malaysia is now the chair of Asean," he said, adding that OIC may engage this platform to urge Asean to put pressure on Myanmar to stop its atrocities against the Rohingyas and ensure a conducive environment for the repatriation from Bangladesh. The systematic discrimination and violence on the Rohingya community, native to Myanmar’s Rakhine State, reached its peak in 2017 forced them to flee across the border into Bangladesh, in what the United Nations rightly called a “textbook example of ethnic cleansing.”

A colourful award ceremony was held at the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar on Thursday to honour young participants in an essay and art competition titled “My Neighbor, My Friend,” marking World Refugee Day 2025. Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) and the United Nations and humanitarian agencies organised the event jointly and honored both Rohingya refugees and local Bangladeshi youth with special recognition and prizes for their powerful written essays and art pieces. World Refugee Day, annually observed on June 20, is a global commemoration to foster empathy and raise awareness about the plight of refugees around the world and recognize the communities that host them.  Fittingly, this year’s World Refugee Day theme is “Solidarity with Refugees.” In alignment with this theme, the award ceremony took place today, Thursday (19 June 2025) at Camp-4 Darbar hall. Awards were presented to winners in the essay competition from both the Rohingya and local Bangladeshi communities: Fayazul Islam (Winner, English); Shoaib Bin Hasan (Winner, Bengali); Sarwar Shah (First Runner-up) and Mohammad Arz (Second Runner-up) Winners of the art competition were Ahmed Rafsan (First Prize); Fiona Nusaiba Juha (First Runner-up); Mohammad Shahad (Second Runner-up) The Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, Mostafizur Rahman, attended the event and handed over the prizes to the winners. Tensions at secretariat as employees continue protests Heads of UN agencies operating in Cox’s Bazar, representatives from partner organizations and senior officials were present there. With support from humanitarian agencies, the competition was organised to nurture and showcase the creativity and talent of local Bangladeshi and Rohingya refugee youth and children. Themed “My Neighbor, My Friend,” the competition began on June 2 and concluded on June 14. It welcomed participants aged 8–16 years for art and 16–24 years for essay writing. The essay competition promoted messages of peace within and between the Rohingya and host communities, while the art competition conveyed the reason for why the Rohingya fled to Bangladesh and the importance of peaceful co-existence through visual storytelling. Participants also expressed their aspirations, resilience, and hope for the future. The winning essays will soon be published, in both English and Bengali, in national newspapers. Selected artworks will be displayed at the RRRC and ISCG offices. This celebration served as a heartfelt tribute to refugee youth, amplifying their voices and aspirations, while reaffirming the humanitarian community’s commitment to their dignity and potential. In his closing remarks, the Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief,. Mostafizur Rahman, said, "The Rohingya community must remember—you are not alone. Despite many challenges, the local host community continues to stand beside you." He further added, "We believe in justice and equality. This is our principle and it will remain the same for the Rohingya community as well." Yoko Akasaka, Head of the UNHCR Cox’s Bazar office, said solidarity with refugees’ means listening to their stories, making space for their voices and supporting them to find not just safety, but also belonging, purpose, and hope. Our message to refugees is clear: You are not forgotten. We stand beside you in support. IOM Chief of Mission, Lance Bonneau, said, "Bangladesh is a shining example when it comes to solidarity in action. The participants of this competition have portrayed the true picture of refugee life, their resilience and aspirations. I thank and congratulate them for that." The Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC), Mizanur Rahman said, "We believe that the Rohingya community will –one day – return to their beloved homeland with dignity. The host community has continued to support them until now." ISCG Principal Coordinator Mr. David Bugden said, "From the very beginning, Bangladesh’s generous act of solidarity has enabled the Rohingya community to remain in Bangladesh. Alongside the government, international donors and other partners are also playing vital roles. We extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to all”. Since 2017, over one million Rohingya have been forcibly displaced from Myanmar and taken refuge in the camps of Ukhiya and Teknaf in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. In this context, World Refugee Day, holds special significance for Bangladesh.

Around 82 Rohingya individuals spontaneously returned to Maungdaw, Myanmar from May 12 to 18, motivated by intentions to restart their businesses and resume farming their land, according to a document published by the UN Refugee Agency - UNHCR. This is the first case of voluntary return of Rohingyas to Myanmar since 2017, a senior official told UNB referring to the UNHCR document published on May 22. An additional 30-40 Rohingya are expected to return, expressing hope that the Arakan Army (AA) would provide them with some form of documentation, according to the UNHCR updates on the humanitarian cross-border situation in Rakhine and Cox's Bazar. In 2017, an influx of approximately 750,000 Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, triggered by military crackdowns in Rakhine State, crossed the border into Bangladesh. This large-scale displacement added to the already existing Rohingya refugee population in Bangladesh, bringing the total number to over a million. Some are reportedly youth who fled forced recruitment in 2024, and now believe the situation in Maungdaw has since improved. The AA is reportedly accepting bribes to allow returns and are questioning returnees about conditions in Cox's Bazar camps and activities of organized groups. "While no coercion has been reported, it remains unclear what assurances, if any, AA has provided to the returnees," the official said quoting the UNHCR document. The AA reportedly detained five individuals (four Bangladeshis and one registered refugee) who entered Myanmar in the reporting week. While the four Bangladeshis were released, the AA are detaining the refugee in custody for suspected links with Rohingya organized groups RSO and ARSA, demonstrating AA's heightened suspicion toward cross-border movement from Bangladesh to Myanmar. Since January 2024, some 10,291 Myanmar individuals are reported to have faced refoulement-related incidents as they fled Rakhine State to seek safety in Bangladesh, UNHCR said.  Bangladesh in touch with India over push-ins, port-related restrictions: Foreign Adviser Some 2,613 of these refoulement-related incidents occurred in 2025, making up almost a quarter of all such incidents. During the reporting period, 10 individuals (all Rohingya) were reportedly denied access to Bangladesh, 88 per cent less than the previous week (87), including one registered refugee who moved back to Myanmar several years ago but was forced to flee again due to the conflict. UNHCR, together with IOM, DRC and IRC, continues to triangulate information received through border monitoring and community sources to provide an estimate of new arrivals in the camps and host community areas. The reduction may be due to increased restrictions imposed by the Arakan Army (AA) on movement to Bangladesh, according to UNHCR. AA members are reportedly detaining Rohingya attempting to seek safety in Bangladesh, imposing strict restrictions on movement for Rohingya living in Buthidaung. One registered refugee removed from India was released by the District Police in Kurigram and brought to the camps following advocacy by UNHCR and its legal partners. Meanwhile, the UNHCR called on the international community to stand in solidarity with the countries in the region that have been hosting Rohingya refugees. Until the situation in Myanmar’s Rakhine State is peaceful and conducive to safe and voluntary return, the international community must continue to support efforts to provide life-saving assistance to Rohingya refugees, said the UN agency.  UNHCR requires $383.1 mln in 2025 to stabilize lives of Rohingyas, host communities UNHCR requires $383.1 million in 2025 to stabilize the lives of refugees and their host communities across Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and those displaced inside Myanmar. So far, UNHCR said, only 30 percent of this amount has been received.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has called on the international community to stand in solidarity with the countries in the region including Bangladesh that have been hosting Rohingya refugees. Until the situation in Myanmar’s Rakhine State is peaceful and conducive to safe and voluntary return, the international community must continue to support efforts to provide life-saving assistance to Rohingya refugees, said the UN agency.  Meeting with UNHCR: Foreign Secy highlights negative impacts, reiterates Rohingya repatriation only solution UNHCR requires $383.1 million in 2025 to stabilize the lives of refugees and their host communities across Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and those displaced inside Myanmar. So far, only 30 per cent of this amount has been received. The UNHCR is gravely concerned about reports of two boat tragedies off the coast of Myanmar earlier this month, with estimates that 427 Rohingya perished at sea. This would be the deadliest tragedy at sea involving Rohingya refugees attempting to find safety this year. Nearly 1 out of 5 people attempting perilous sea movements in this region have been reported as dead or missing so far in 2025, making the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal waters amongst the deadliest in the world. Details are still being confirmed, but reports suggest that some 514 Rohingya were travelling on two separate boats. The first boat carried 267 people. Among them, over half reportedly left from refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh while the remainder departed from Rakhine State in Myanmar. The boat sank on 9 May, with only 66 survivors. The second boat carried 247 Rohingya – also refugees from Cox’s Bazar camps and those fleeing Rakhine State – and capsized on 10 May, with just 21 survivors. UNHCR is working to verify details concerning the survivors. There are reports of a third boat, carrying some 188 Rohingya, which was intercepted leaving Myanmar on 14 May.  UNHCR deplores funding cuts in humanitarian sector putting millions at risk “The dire humanitarian situation, exacerbated by funding cuts, is having a devastating impact on the lives of Rohingya, with more and more resorting to dangerous journeys to seek safety, protection and a dignified life for themselves and their families,” said Hai Kyung Jun, Director of UNHCR’s Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific. “The latest tragedy is a chilling reminder that access to meaningful protection, especially in countries of first asylum, as well as responsibility sharing and collective efforts along sea routes, are essential to saving lives." With the annual monsoon season having already arrived in the region, bringing strong winds, rainfall and rough seas, these boats were travelling at a particularly dangerous time, reflecting the desperation of those making such journeys. Saving lives and rescuing those in distress at sea is a humanitarian imperative and a longstanding duty under international maritime law. UNHCR calls on authorities in the region to take urgent action to prevent future tragedies.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), has donated 667 metric tonnes of dates to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to support Rohingya refugee children living in Bangladesh. At a handover ceremony held in Dhaka on Thursday, officials from the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, KSrelief and WFP marked this contribution. The dates will offer much-needed nourishment to Rohingya children attending learning centres as part of WFP’s school feeding programme, which supports 250,000 children going to 3,500 learning centres in both Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char. WFP said it urgently requires USD 106 million for its critical Rohingya operations over the next 12 months. Of these, USD 83 million are required to maintain full rations for the entire Rohingya refugee population in Bangladesh. While over one million Rohingya refugees remain entirely dependent on humanitarian aid, malnutrition rates within the refugee camps are alarmingly high, reaching over 15 percent among children under five, and rising to 20 percent among children under two. Saudi Arabia’s contribution comes at a critical time. In March, a funding crisis nearly forced WFP to reduce rations by half starting in April. Bangladesh, Malaysia begin Joint Working Group meeting on legal labour migration Thanks to timely support, WFP has been able to avert devastating food ration cuts and maintain the full ration, currently USD 12 per person per month in Cox’s Bazar and USD 13 in Bhasan Char, for over one million Rohingya refugees. However, current funding only secures this assistance until the end of September 2025. "We are proud to stand with the Rohingya people and to support WFP’s efforts to deliver vital food assistance," said, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Dhaka, Abdulaziz Fahad M. Al Ibrahim. "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through KSrelief, reaffirms its commitment to humanitarian principles and to helping vulnerable communities around the world." “Providing nutritious food to Rohingya children is essential not only for their health, but for their hope and dignity,” said Dom Scalpelli, WFP Bangladesh Country Director. “We are deeply grateful to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their steadfast support. The Rohingya crisis remains one of the world’s most urgent humanitarian emergencies, and continued international solidarity is critical to sustaining lifesaving assistance.” Saudi Arabia has been a longstanding supporter of WFP’s humanitarian efforts for the Rohingya since 2017, providing both cash and in-kind contributions to sustain food assistance in one of the world’s largest refugee operations.

The government on Wednesday said Bangladesh is coordinating with the relevant actors to prevent another wave of refugees into the country.  In particular, the government has signaled the Arakan Army (AA) that they must ensure that there is no further violence, discrimination and displacement of Rohingyas inside Rakhine, according to the Chief Adviser's press wing. They (AA) have the responsibility to observe international law including international humanitarian law, said the interim government. "And the world is watching. Bangladesh's continued contacts with them will depend on their action in this area, as well as on Rohingya representation," said the press wing sharing a set of questions and answers. 1.     What is the current status of Bangladesh’s involvement in humanitarian assistance in Rakhine state? Ans:  The question of humanitarian support to the Rakhine state arose when Bangladesh authorities learned about the acute humanitarian crisis it was facing.  UNDP predicted impending famine like conditions. Bangladesh was concerned that this situation would drive more people from Rakhine into Bangladesh. Already, Bangladesh is shouldering the burden of sheltering over 1.2 million forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar and cannot simply afford another wave of refugees. It’s already a big burden on Bangladesh. Given the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Rakhine state, the UN and Bangladesh began consideration of the provision of humanitarian support. Since all other aid delivery avenues are unviable due to conflict, Bangladesh turned out to be the only feasible option. It was thought that the UN would organize distribution of aid through its channels within Rakhine and Bangladesh would provide logistical support to transfer aid across Bangladesh-Myanmar border. Additionally, Bangladesh considered that aid to Rakhine would help stabilize the state and pave the way for creating enabling conditions for the return of the Rohingyas to Myanmar. There has been no agreement on the provision of aid to Rakhine yet as it would require consent of all relevant parties and satisfaction of a number of prerequisites for aid provision which are common in other cases of humanitarian support around the world. These include, among others,  unimpeded access of aid providers and recipients, non-discrimination in the provision of aid, non-weaponization of assistance and suspension of armed activities.  2.     What is the status of discussions with the Arakan Army? How is Bangladesh balancing between the Arakan Army and the Myanmar ruling junta? Ans:  Bangladesh government realized the need for keeping contact with the Arakan Army when they took control over the Myanmar side of our border. It is Bangladesh's duty to protect its border and keep it peaceful.  For this reason, Bangladesh decided to make informal contacts with the Arakan Army.   Bangladesh government has continued to engage them in the context of consideration of provision of humanitarian support, repatriation of the Rohingyas and the inclusion of the Rohingyas at all levels of the emerging governance and security structure in Rakhine.   Bangladesh's contact with the Arakan Army is due to practical necessity. At the same time, Bangladesh is   maintaining contacts with the Myanmar government. It is necessary to keep in touch with all relevant actors with a view to sustainably resolving the Rohingya issue.  No talks on ‘corridor’: Dr Khalilur Rahman 3.     Bangladeshi officials have recently said that certain conditions will need to be met for Bangladesh’s agreement to the UN's proposal for humanitarian assistance. What are those conditions and has there been any progress in such discussions? Ans:  To begin with, all the relevant parties need to agree on the provision of aid. Moreover, the Arakan Army needs to ensure that access of aid providers and recipients is not impeded, aid is not  weaponized and there are no armed activities. Also, the Arakan Army needs to sincerely demonstrate its commitment to an inclusive society in Rakhine by including Rohingyas at all levels of Rakhine’s governance and security structure. Otherwise, it will appear to the world as a picture of ethnic cleansing, which we will not accept. We are awaiting Arakan Army's response. 4. What are the security  risks in the provision of humanitarian aid? Ans: Giving aid in a conflict situation poses safety and security risks to the aid providers and recipients.  Prevalence of landmines and IEDs is another threat to safety and security. These issues need to be addressed ahead of the provision of aid.  Balat Brothers, Ashta Feed sign animal protein export deal 5. What would the position of regional countries regarding the UN humanitarian assistance to Rakhine? Ans: Saving lives from an impending humanitarian disaster is a collective responsibility of the global community. All of parties need to join efforts to tackle this problem. Stability in Rakhine is Bangladesh's  priority. Hardly any progress can be made towards repatriation without achieving it. 6. We are already seeing more Rohingya coming into Bangladesh. If this continues, how does Bangladesh plan on addressing another influx? Ans: Bangladesh doesn’t want another influx of refugees. It simply can’t afford this.  There has been sizeable influx of Rohingyas from Rakhine during intensified conflict between the Arakan Army and Myanmar forces from 2023 until autumn of 2024. Rohingyas have continued to enter Bangladesh thereafter, albeit in smaller number.

Referring to engaging with the Arakan Army, National Security Adviser and High Representative to Chief Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman on Tuesday said Bangladesh, as a sovereign state, would maintain communication with whoever it wants taking its own interest into consideration. "We will speak to whoever we want for our own interests. It doesn't matter who said what," he said while responding to a question about the Myanmar military government's opinion on Bangladesh's contact with the Arakan Army. He said they have formulated an independent foreign policy and are implementing it. "You are witnessing this." Khalilur Rahman said Myanmar has identified the Arakan Army as a militant entity, and Myanmar is also communicating with them. "One thing must be kept in mind. The Arakan Army controls the other side of the Bangladesh border. Bangladesh has to manage, protect, and keep this border peaceful," he said, stressing that they will keep in touch with whoever is on the other side. Bangladesh has reiterated its position that it will not welcome new Rohingya arrival from Rakhine. "Bangladesh is trying to prevent the new arrival of the Rohingya," he said. Want to build stronger commercial ties, Canada’s trade envoy tells Prof Yunus Bangladesh wants to see Rohingyas at all levels of the new administration being formed in Arakan, Rahman said, sharing that they conveyed through the United Nations. "If they (the Arakan Army) do not do that, then it will be a sign of ethnic cleansing, which we cannot support in any way. If the Arakan Army does not take this step, then it will be very difficult to continue talking to them," said the National Security Adviser. He said there is no ambiguity here, the matter is black and white - either they are for ethnic cleansing or against it. "We do not support such ethnic cleansing anywhere in the world. This is a test for the Arakan Army. We are waiting to see whether they can pass this test or not," Khalilur Rahman said. The communication and understanding between the interim government and the military government of Myanmar also continued as a few days ago, Bangladesh provided assistance to Myanmar after the earthquake. On March 15 in Dhaka, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the Arakan Army is an entity with which he believes a “necessary dialogue must take place” but stressed that it would be “extremely difficult” to have an immediate “dignified return” of the Rohingya refugees amid heavy fighting between the Myanmar Army and Arakan Army. “I think it is important to engage with the Arakan Army in order for full respect of the rights of the Rohingya population in Rakhine,” he said. Guterres said it is essential to increase the pressure of the international community and all the neighbours of Myanmar in order to guarantee that fighting ends and democracy is finally reestablished there.

Speakers at a seminar on Sunday called for adopting a multipronged strategy combining bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, security and international cooperation as the government eyes the repatriation of the Rohingyas to their place of origin in Myanmar. They identified current instability in the Rakhine State of Myanmar, unclear position of the Arakan Army and geopolitical divides as some of the barriers towards the Rohingya repatriation which remains the ultimate goal of the government. At the same time, the speakers emphasised the importance of stabilising Rakhine for repatriation, ensuring global commitment, and building trust among all parties, considering the Rohingya repatriation in the larger context of regional security. The seminar titled ‘Repatriation of Rohingyas in Bangladesh: Strategic Implications on Regional Security and Ways Ahead’ was hosted jointly by the Armed Forces Division (AFD) and Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) at the ‘Swadhinata Auditorium’ BUP campus. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain spoke at the seminar as the chief guest. National Security Adviser and High Representative to the Chief Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman and Principal Staff Officer of the AFD Lieutenant General SM Kamrul Hassan addressed it as special guests. Diplomats stationed in Dhaka, military attaché of various countries, Rohingya issue experts, officials of various ministries, agencies and BUP students also participated in the seminar. BUP Vice-Chancellor Major General Md Mahbub-ul Alam delivered the welcome speech at the seminar. The Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division highlighted the recent influence of the Arakan Army in Myanmar’s Rakhine State and the complexity of the absence of Myanmar government authorities in the border areas. He emphasised the need for coordinated cooperation of the international community and regional partners, including bilateral initiatives, for a sustainable solution to the Rohingya problem. Left unresolved Rohingya issue is a problem not only for Bangladesh, but for entire region: Foreign Adviser The Foreign Affairs Adviser and National Security Advisor said the current government is working towards a sustainable solution for the repatriation of the Rohingyas. The government is hopeful of a solution to this problem by adopting all possible means and multi-dimensional diplomatic approaches for the repatriation of the Rohingya, they said. The speakers said it is important to ensure that the international community does not divert attention from the Rohingya crisis amid other global conflicts. Besides, the need for a roadmap for the return of the Rohingya was also emphasized. Since the main partners in Myanmar are the military junta, the Arakan Army and the National Unity Government (NUG), the speakers said any permanent solution must involve all three parties. Prof Dr Sahab Enam Khan, Department of International Relations, Jahangirnagar University presented the keynote speech. Abu Salah Md Yousuf, Research Director, Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies and Assistant Professor Md. Ataur Rahman Talukder, Department of International Relations, BUP presented papers as panelists, according to ISPR release. M Humayun Kabir, former Ambassador and President of Bangladesh Enterprise Institute, moderated the open discussion. On August 25, 2017, hundreds of thousands of refugees started crossing the border to Bangladesh on foot and by boats amid indiscriminate killings and other violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine state. Since 2017, Bangladesh has attempted at least twice to send the refugees back and has urged the international community to build pressure on Myanmar for a peaceful environment inside Myanmar that could help start the repatriation.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday called upon the international community to come forward and resolve the Rohingya issue, otherwise, he warned it will be a problem for the entire region, not just for Bangladesh.   He laid emphasis on exploring ways to reestablish the rights of the Rohingyas so that they can return  home with rights and security that they deserve. The foreign adviser was speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled "Repatriation of Rohingya in Bangladesh: Strategic Implications on Regional Security and Ways Ahead," jointly organised by the Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) and the Armed Forces Division. National Security Adviser and High Representative to the Chief Adviser Khalilur Rahman spoke as the guest of honour while Principal Staff Officer of the AFD Lieutenant General SM Kamrul Hassan spoke as special guest. Adviser Hossain said they cannot force the Rohingyas out as they need to return home voluntarily. Highlighting the current situation in Rakhine, he said the Rohingyas will not return to their homeland without security and rights. UAE expedites visa Issuance for Bangladeshis following talks A reasonable security must be ensured for them, he said, noting that a complete civil war is going on in Myanmar. Talking about different authorities of different natures within Myanmar, Hossain said, “We cannot stop bilateral negotiations but let us not be very hopeful of bilateral negotiations leading it to repatriation.”

Noting global efforts that continue, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday said global leaders must come together to ensure the safe, sustainable and dignified repatriation of the Rohingya people to their homes in Myanmar. "The protracted crisis in Myanmar continues to threaten regional stability," he said while speaking at the opening session of the Earthna Summit. For years, Prof Yunus said, Bangladesh has hosted over 1.2 million Rohingya refugees, bearing significant social, economic and environmental costs. The UN Secretary-General recently visited the camps in a gesture of solidarity. Prof Yunus shares five key initiatives for sustainable future at Earthna Summit In today’s crisis prone world, the Chief Adviser said, wars and conflicts erode rights and disrupt economies.  "Peace and stability are fundamental prerequisites for any meaningful and sustainable development," he said. Prof Yunus said the world must not ignore the humanitarian crises that affect people from Palestine to the Rohingyas in Bangladesh. Impunity and blatant disregard for human rights are threats to development anywhere in the world, he said. The ongoing suffering in Palestine concerns not just a region but all of humanity. Palestinians are not expendable, Prof Yunus said. The second edition of the Earthna Summit under the theme “Building our Legacy: Sustainability, Innovation and Traditional Knowledge” is highlighting Qatar’s commitment to advancing sustainability in hot and arid environments, by drawing on its rich cultural heritage and unique ecosystems. The Summit serves as a platform for exploring how both traditional knowledge and innovation approaches can inform modern sustainability, shaping a more resilient and inclusive future. Bangladesh wants to be beacon of hope for the world, says Prof Yunus at Earthna Summit The Earthna Summit 2025 is exploring a wide range of topics through presentations, interactive panel discussions, workshops and roundtables. Besides, the Earthna Village in Barahat Msheireb is hosting a series of inspiring talks and discussions led by various experts and innovators to foster dialogue and inspiration.