Bangladesh Forms Committee to Develop National Strategy on Rohingya Repatriation

Bangladesh Forms Committee to Develop National Strategy on Rohingya Repatriation
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Bangladesh has formed a committee to develop a national strategy on the Rohingya crisis, including direct engagement with Myanmar’s government and discussions with the Arakan Army (AA), State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam announced on November 8 at a policy dialogue in Dhaka.

Islam warned that relying solely on traditional diplomatic channels to secure the Rohingya’s return was “naive,” noting broad opposition among domestic actors in Myanmar to their repatriation. She urged Bangladeshi political parties to unite in pressing the international community to recognise the Rohingya’s right to return to their homeland.

The announcement of formal engagement with the Arakan Army reflects Dhaka’s response to changing realities in Arakan State, where the group has reportedly seized 14 of the state’s 17 townships.

Former interim government adviser and retired Brigadier General M Sakhawat Hossain said Bangladesh should maintain relations and negotiate with the AA, directly or through intermediaries. He also argued that India would not help resolve the crisis and urged Dhaka to explore a proposed economic transit corridor with China to strengthen its regional leverage and support safe, sustainable Rohingya repatriation.