Home minister says diplomacy must engage China, Japan, ASEAN, UN and other key stakeholders
Bangladesh is intensifying regional and international diplomatic efforts to ensure the safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation of forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on Sunday, stressing that unilateral efforts alone cannot resolve the protracted Rohingya crisis.
He called for a strategic regional coalition involving China, Japan, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the United Nations and other key stakeholders to create conditions for sustainable repatriation.
Salahuddin made the remarks as the chief guest at a seminar titled “Rohingya Crisis: Way Forward – Towards Sustainable Repatriation and a Durable Regional Solution”, organised by the Foundation for Strategic and Development Studies (FSDS) at a city hotel.
The seminar was presided over by FSDS Chairman Maj Gen (retd) Fazle Elahi Akbar, while Md Ismail Zabiullah, adviser to the prime minister on public administration affairs with ministerial rank, attended as the special guest.
Diplomacy amid shifting realities
Salahuddin said Bangladesh was exploring multiple diplomatic channels to advance repatriation, taking into account the changing political and security landscape in Myanmar, particularly in Rakhine State.
He noted that although Myanmar has a de jure government, the Arakan Army (AA) controls a substantial part of Rakhine, making engagement with the relevant stakeholders increasingly important.
Bangladesh would continue diplomatic dialogue while keeping all options open as a last resort, he said, reaffirming that peaceful repatriation remained the country’s primary objective.
The home minister also highlighted Japan’s growing engagement in the issue, referring to the recent visit to Bangladesh by Yohei Sasakawa, special envoy of the Japanese government on national reconciliation in Myanmar and chairman of The Nippon Foundation.
During the visit, Sasakawa held detailed discussions with the prime minister and the home minister, providing assurances of Japan’s comprehensive cooperation, Salahuddin said.
He added that the prime minister was scheduled to visit Japan later this month, offering another opportunity to discuss ways to accelerate the repatriation process.
From humanitarian response to strategic diplomacy
Speaking as the special guest, Md Ismail Zabiullah said the Rohingya crisis was not merely a humanitarian emergency or a bilateral dispute but an issue closely linked to Bangladesh’s national interests, regional stability and international geopolitics.
Against the backdrop of decades of unresolved tensions and changing political and military realities in Myanmar, he called for a shift from crisis management to strategic diplomacy, from temporary humanitarian assistance to sustainable repatriation, and from fragmented initiatives to a unified national strategy.
He also stressed the need to exert coordinated pressure on Myanmar and the international community to ensure that the Rohingyas could return to their homeland safely and with dignity, with their rights and protection guaranteed.
UN platform offers new opportunity
Speaking to journalists after the seminar, Salahuddin said Bangladesh’s election to the presidency of the United Nations General Assembly this year had created a stronger platform to highlight the Rohingya repatriation issue before the international community.
He expressed optimism that engagement with regional neighbours and international partners, including China, Japan, India, the United States and the European Union, could help establish a sustainable pathway towards early repatriation.
Security, citizenship and livelihoods crucial
Three thematic papers were presented at the seminar, examining the political and security situation in Myanmar and Rakhine, prospects for development and connectivity linked to repatriation, and strategic options for Bangladesh and regional diplomacy.
Prof Dr A.S.M. Ali Ashraf presented the first paper on the political and security background amid changing realities in Myanmar and Rakhine.
Prof Shahab Enam Khan presented the second paper on development, connectivity and repatriation in Rakhine, while Brig Gen (retd) Shafayat Ahmad outlined strategic pathways for Bangladesh and regional diplomacy in the third paper.
During discussions, participants emphasised that repatriation must go beyond the physical return of displaced people. A lasting solution would require a conducive environment in Myanmar, including security, citizenship rights, housing, livelihood opportunities and acceptance by local communities.
The seminar brought together diplomats, representatives of international organisations, retired military officers, researchers, academics and media representatives.
