Government continuing efforts to step up international pressure on Rohingya repatriation: State Minister

The government is stepping up diplomatic efforts to increase international pressure on Myanmar to begin the repatriation of Rohingya refugees while maintaining direct communication with Naypyidaw, Foreign Affairs State Minister Shama Obaed Islam said on Tuesday (August 18).

Speaking to reporters at the Foreign Ministry, she said Bangladesh was working with China and other countries to build greater international pressure on Myanmar, while keeping existing diplomatic initiatives in place.

Bangladesh does not agree with figures on the Rohingya population cited in a recent Myanmar statement, Shama said. Dhaka has raised the issue with Myanmar’s ambassador in Bangladesh, who assured officials that he would discuss it with his government.

Myanmar has begun the verification process for Rohingya refugees, but the process is moving slowly, she said, urging its early completion. Bangladesh wants Rohingya refugees to return to their homeland with their identity intact and in a safe and normal environment, she added.

Shama said Bangladesh had discussed the repatriation issue with China during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit and with US Special Envoy Sergio Gor. China has assured Bangladesh that it would seek to put pressure on Myanmar, she said.

She stressed that international pressure must be directed at both the Myanmar government and the Arakan Army, arguing that diplomatic statements alone would not resolve the crisis.

The Rohingya crisis has persisted since a mass influx began in 2017. Shama said the situation had become increasingly complex over the years and called for diplomatic efforts to be translated into concrete action.

She said the Rohingya issue would receive significant attention during the UN General Assembly session in September. Bangladesh is also seeking to use international court rulings and the broader geopolitical and regional context to strengthen pressure on Myanmar, she added.

On a possible change in Bangladesh’s repatriation strategy, Shama said there had been a strategic shift, with greater emphasis now being placed on mobilising the international community to pressure Myanmar, while earlier initiatives continued.

Asked about a UN Security Council report raising concerns over attempts to establish an al-Qaeda cell in Bangladesh, she said the Foreign Ministry had not received specific information or evidence on the matter. The issue was being examined by the Home Ministry, she said.

On Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s possible visit to India, Shama said she had no new information and that any confirmed visit would be announced by the Prime Minister’s Office.