The Crime Desk: Due to the ongoing civil war in Myanmar, internal divisions in the country, and the continued absence of security and citizenship assurance for the displaced population, Rohingya repatriation is not possible right now, said Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Touhid Hossain.
He made these remarks while delivering a speech at a seminar titled ‘Repatriation of Rohingyas sheltering in Bangladesh: Impact on Regional Security and Future’ at Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) on Sunday (May 4).
Touhid Hossain said the Rohingyas must return to Myanmar. They will return only after security is ensured. The country is facing an ongoing civil war. In this situation, should we send them back to the place they wanted to escape from?
He said, We have not yet found an effective solution to this crisis. There are two aspects to the repatriation of the Rohingyas. One is rights, the other is security. If these issues are not ensured, the Rohingyas will not return. However, we do not have unreasonable expectations.
The advisor said, We do not see a solution to the Rohingya problem through bilateral talks with Myanmar. Bilateral talks with Myanmar will not yield any tangible results in this regard. Bangladesh’s primary reliance was on bilateral diplomacy. Many, including me, warned that such efforts would fail. The bilateral process that has been going on for years is futile because not a single Rohingya could be repatriated.
He said, Myanmar has never been a democracy. Even under Aung San Suu Kyi, it functioned as a semi-military regime. What we are seeing now is a full-fledged civil war. The main partners in Myanmar now are the military junta, the Arakan Army, and the National Unity Government (NUG). Any permanent solution must involve all three parties. Especially the Arakan Army, which is now controlling Rakhine.
The foreign affairs advisor said real change must be brought about in Myanmar. The assurance of that change must be internationally recognized. Although this is a difficult and long-term process, it will not be possible without unity. It is important for the international community to ensure that the Rohingya crisis does not distract from other global conflicts. He also believes that there needs to be a roadmap for the return of the Rohingya.
