Political leaders from across the country have called for a united national approach and stronger international engagement to secure a long-term solution to the Rohingya crisis, stressing that safe and dignified repatriation to Myanmar remains the only sustainable outcome.
Their remarks came on Monday during a three-day dialogue on the Rohingya situation in Cox’s Bazar, jointly hosted by the Office of the High Representative for the Rohingya Issue and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The forum aims to gather recommendations ahead of next month’s high-level international conference on the crisis.
BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Ismail Zabihullah recalled that BNP-led governments in the past had successfully facilitated Rohingya repatriation through diplomacy. He argued that the crisis deepened in 2017 due to what he described as failures of the then Sheikh Hasina government. Zabihullah added that a BNP government would work with the international community to pursue a durable settlement with Myanmar’s cooperation.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Parwar described support for the Rohingya population as both a humanitarian responsibility and an Islamic obligation. Citing the Quran’s call to defend the oppressed, he urged accountability for Myanmar’s military leadership through international tribunals such as the ICC and ICJ. He also underlined the need for education and vocational training for Rohingya youth.
Jatiya Nagorik Party Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain said the Rohingya were victims of genocide in Rakhine and insisted that those responsible must face trial in international courts. He stressed that lasting peace requires ensuring their safe return to Myanmar with dignity.
Amar Bangladesh Party General Secretary Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad supported continued efforts for repatriation but emphasized that Bangladesh must also prepare long-term social, humanitarian, and economic support systems for Rohingya communities living in the country. Leaders from other parties, including Gana Adhikar Parishad’s Rashed Khan and Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Professor Ashraf Ali Akon, echoed similar calls for solidarity and global cooperation.
High Representative for the Rohingya Issue and National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman attended the session, which was moderated by Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam. All participants agreed that the Rohingya crisis is not solely Bangladesh’s responsibility but a regional and international challenge that demands coordinated global action.
The dialogue will be concluded today.
PT/ra
