Rohingya repatriation depends on Myanmar's goodwill: Foreign Minister

Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman has said that Rohingya repatriation is a complex, sensitive and multidimensional international issue. He said that the solution to this crisis depends largely on the security situation in Rakhine State, pressure from the international community and above all, the goodwill of the Myanmar authorities.

He made the remarks in response to a question from Chattogram-15 MP Shahjahan Chowdhury in the budget session of the National Parliament on Wednesday (June 17).

The Foreign Minister said that the repatriation process has become difficult due to the long-standing conflict and instability in Rakhine State. According to international law, no refugee can be forcibly or in an unsafe environment. Therefore, the main goal now is to create an environment for safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation.

He said that Bangladesh attaches importance to creating an environment for effective dialogue between the Myanmar government and the Arakan Army to restore stability in Rakhine and diplomatic efforts are continuing for this purpose.

Dr. Khalilur Rahman said that it has not yet been possible to set a specific time frame for repatriation. However, all preparations of the government are in the final stages so that repatriation can be started quickly as soon as the situation becomes favorable.

Regarding the law and order situation in the Rohingya camps, he said that the crime rate in the camps has significantly decreased due to the strict surveillance of the government and the operations of the special task force. According to statistics, although 66 murders occurred in the camps in 2023, it decreased to 49 in 2024 and 35 in 2025. There were only six murders in the first three months of this year.

The Foreign Minister said that the number of forcibly displaced Rohingyas currently taking refuge in Bangladesh is 1,189,213. Of them, the information of 829,336 has been sent to the Myanmar government for verification.

He further said that under the 2026 Joint Response Plan, humanitarian assistance of US$ 910.5 million has been requested for the Rohingya. Of this, about US$ 291 million has been received so far.

The Foreign Minister said that a permanent solution to the Rohingya crisis lies only in their safe and dignified repatriation to their homeland, Myanmar. To achieve this goal, the government is continuing diplomatic efforts with the cooperation of the international community.