We are engaging with Myanmar govt, Arakan Army

Bangladesh is engaging with both the Myanmar government and the Arakan Army to ensure the safe and voluntary repatriation of Rohingya refugees to their homeland in Rakhine, officials said yesterday.

Khalilur Rahman, high representative of the chief adviser, said Bangladesh wants to see stability in Rakhine for the smooth return of the Rohingyas, who are citizens of Myanmar but have taken refuge in Bangladesh.

Speaking at a press conference at the Foreign Service Academy on the outcome of the recent BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand, Khalilur said repatriation is intrinsically tied to the restoration of peace in Rakhine.

"Without a peaceful environment, one cannot push anyone into a state of war. We have always emphasised voluntary repatriation -- we will not force anyone to return against their will. However, many Rohingyas are eager to go back," he said.

Bangladesh currently hosts around 1.2 million Rohingyas, most of whom fled a brutal military crackdown in Rakhine in 2017. Following Myanmar's military coup in 2021, the country plunged into civil war, with the Arakan Army taking control of roughly 90 percent of Rakhine State.

Since July 2024, approximately 100,000 additional Rohingyas have crossed into Bangladesh due to renewed conflict between the Arakan Army and the Myanmar military junta.

Repatriation, Khalilur acknowledged, is a time-consuming process. However, he said Bangladesh aims to expedite the return so that Rohingyas can celebrate the next Eid-ul-Fitr in their homeland.

"To that end, we are working with Myanmar, the current authorities in Arakan, international organisations, and friendly nations," he added.

On the UN's proposed "humanitarian channel" for delivering aid, Khalilur said Bangladesh has communicated to the UN secretary-general that any such initiative must be conducted under UN supervision, following discussions with both the Myanmar authorities and the Arakan Army.

"The humanitarian crisis in Rakhine affects both Rohingyas and the Rakhine community. Many are starving and without medical care. The international community has a responsibility to support both sides," he said.

"Bangladesh remains the only viable conduit for delivering aid, given that Rakhine's coast remains under Tatmadaw control," he said

Regarding Bangladesh's role in promoting peace in Arakan, Khalilur said Bangladesh is working with international organisations and various nations to address the humanitarian crisis and restore stability in the region.

"For any meaningful progress, a ceasefire between the warring parties is crucial," he added.

Khalilur confirmed that Myanmar's government and the Arakan Army are involved in repatriation talks. Rohingya verification is ongoing under the bilateral agreement signed by Bangladesh and Myanmar in 2018, which remains in effect.

While acknowledging that Myanmar is a sovereign state, he said discussions have also been held with the Arakan Army, which has declared its support for the return of Rohingyas.

"They reaffirmed this position during our talks last September," he said.

"We believe arrangements can be made to repatriate 180,000 Rohingyas who have been verified," he added.

To facilitate dialogue with the Arakan Army, Khalilur said the UN is acting as an intermediary. "Being non-state actors, the Arakan Army is not bound by the norms governing states. Ensuring accountability is therefore crucial."

He emphasised that UN involvement lends credibility and neutrality to both the peace process and the envisioned humanitarian aid.

Myanmar authorities have so far verified 180,000 Rohingyas for repatriation from a list of 800,000 provided by Bangladesh in six phases between 2018 and 2020.

Verification of an additional 70,000 is ongoing, while the remaining 550,000 are expected to be processed soon, he added.