The future of more than one million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, dwindling humanitarian funding and prospects for a sustainable solution to the protracted displacement crisis featured prominently in a meeting between Bangladesh’s refugee affairs chief and a visiting delegation from IRC-Sweden on Sunday.
Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) Mohammed Mizanur Rahman held the meeting at the RRRC Office in Cox’s Bazar, stressing the importance of safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation to Myanmar as the ultimate goal for resolving the Rohingya crisis.
With humanitarian resources declining, the discussions also highlighted the need for sustained international support to maintain essential assistance for the displaced population while preparing for a possible return to their homeland.
Mizanur Rahman expressed optimism that the Rohingya would eventually be able to return to Myanmar under conditions that ensure their safety, dignity and voluntariness. He underscored that repatriation remains central to achieving a durable solution to the crisis.
He also emphasised the need to prepare the refugees for a potential return by raising awareness, strengthening their capacities and creating conditions conducive to a meaningful and sustainable repatriation process.
Bangladesh would continue providing humanitarian support to the Rohingya until their safe and dignified return becomes possible, the RRRC reaffirmed.
However, the declining availability of humanitarian funding presents a continuing challenge to sustaining assistance for the displaced population. The meeting underscored the importance of international solidarity, shared responsibility and coordinated efforts to protect refugee welfare and dignity while pursuing long-term solutions.
The discussions come amid the prolonged displacement of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, where humanitarian assistance remains critical as the prospects for a safe and sustainable return to Myanmar remain uncertain.
The visiting delegation comprised Anna Maria Erica Sundstorm, Executive Director of IRC Nordics; Sofia Nordenskiöld, Director of Communications at IRC Sweden; Meira Omar, IRC Ambassador in Sweden; and Karl Bergbom, Media and Public Affairs Officer at IRC Sweden.
The meeting focused on the humanitarian challenges facing the Rohingya and the need to sustain international engagement while working towards a lasting resolution of the crisis.
