Myanmar claims 10 lakh Rohingya entering Bangladesh 'not correct'

Myanmar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has claimed that reports of about 10 lakh Rohingya entering Bangladesh from Rakhine State are not correct. The ministry issued a statement on Saturday following media reports on the matter.

It said international media have presented various accounts of displaced persons from Rakhine State, those crossing seas to other countries, and those living in camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. It noted that these reports were based on one-sided and false information and sought to clarify the actual figures.

Myanmar claimed that before the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) attacks in October and November 2016 and August 2017, more than 7.40 lakh 'Bengalis' lived in the three townships of Buthidaung, Maungdaw and Rathedaung in Rakhine State. Following the incidents, over 2 lakh 'Bengalis' remained in the region while more than 5.40 lakh fled to Bangladesh, meaning the figure of over 10 lakh displaced persons from Rakhine State is incorrect.

On repatriation, Myanmar said it had signed three bilateral agreements with Bangladesh within two months and made arrangements to receive displaced persons on three occasions, but none returned. Of the 8,28,824 displaced persons listed by Bangladesh, Myanmar had verified 4,26,545 as of July 31, 2026. Of these, 3,08,797 were proven to be former residents of Rakhine State, 4,241 were proven involved in terrorist activities, and the identities of 1,13,507 could not be verified.

Myanmar expressed concern over allegations that all those living in Bangladesh's camps are from Myanmar, and rejected claims that individuals coming from other countries are claiming an ethnic identity that never existed in Myanmar.

The ministry said that following operations in 1978, 1991 and 1992, some 'Bengalis' fled to Bangladesh. Under bilateral agreements, Myanmar successfully received 1,86,968 displaced persons between 1978 and 1979, and 2,36,495 between 1992 and 2005.

Myanmar said it has made every effort with sincere goodwill for the swift repatriation of displaced persons from Rakhine State, preparing to welcome them under a pilot project. It will continue cooperating with Bangladesh for voluntary repatriation in a safe and dignified manner. Myanmar expressed deep dissatisfaction over the issue being misrepresented as an international matter, and said it will continue constructive cooperation with friendly countries. Displaced persons will be received as former residents of Rakhine State once the security situation there is further stabilised.