Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed reaffirmed Dhaka’s commitment to the safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable repatriation of forcibly displaced Rohingya, during a seminar hosted by the Foundation for Strategic and Development Studies in the capital Dhaka on Oct. 11.
Addressing an audience of foreign diplomats, international representatives, and defense experts, Ahmed emphasized that unilateral action by Bangladesh is insufficient and called for a coordinated regional strategic alliance involving China, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the United Nations, Japan, India, the United States, and the European Union to secure a lasting solution.
Acknowledging the shifting military dynamics across the border, the Home Minister acknowledged that the Arakan Army (AA) now controls a substantial portion of territory in Arakan State. The AA has seized control of 14 out of 17 townships in Arakan since it launched its most recent offensive on Nov. 13, 2023.
In light of these ground realities, Bangladesh is actively exploring diplomatic pathways, including informal communications with regional partners and local stakeholders.
Ahmed also highlighted that the Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s upcoming visit to Japan later this month will feature high-level discussions aimed at accelerating repatriation mechanisms, while Bangladesh’s leadership of the 81st U.N. General Assembly with new UNGA President Khalilur Rahman provides a strategic platform to elevate the issue globally.
Echoing these priorities, Ministry of Public Administration Adviser Md. Ismail Zabiullah urged a fundamental shift from temporary refugee crisis management to a cohesive, integrated national diplomacy framework.
He stressed that resolving the complex geopolitical challenges in Arakan requires safeguarding the humanitarian rights and security of the more than 1.2 million Rohingya refugees staying temporarily in Cox’s Bazar, while applying sustained international pressure on Myanmar to enable their safe return.
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