Rohingya repatriation: A helpless wait for Bangladesh

Dhaka Tribune

Syed Samiul Basher Anik
August 24, 2022

Uncertainty over repatriation frustrates Rohingyas

 

File photo of a Rohingya camp in Cox’s Bazar Syed Zakir Hossain

Bangladesh generously welcomed the persecuted Rohingyas, who fled Rakhine state to escape atrocities by the Myanmar military five years ago, in the hope that they would be able to return home soon. However, an end to the refugee crisis is still nowhere in sight, as Myanmar stubbornly refuses to create an environment conducive to repatriation.

Bangladesh has held several talks with major global actors over the safe repatriation of the Rohingyas to their homeland, but the international community has so far failed to mount sufficient pressure on Myanmar to take back its citizens. The delays in the repatriation process are frustrating for both the Rohingya refugees and the host community.

Indonesia Urges Myanmar to Create Safe Conditions for Rohingya Repatriation

THE I DIPLOMAT

Sebastian Strangio
January 22, 2021

Conditions in Rakhine State are unlikely to be amenable to the safe return of refugees any time soon. 

Indonesia has called on the government of Myanmar to create safe conditions for the return of hundreds of thousands of Muslim Rohingya refugees currently living in Bangladesh. The country’s Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi issued the call at a news conference on January 21, after an online meeting of foreign ministers from the 10 nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

“Indonesia earnestly hopes that the Myanmar government can immediately create favorable conditions in Rakhine State so that repatriation can be done voluntarily, safely, and in a dignified manner as soon as possible,” Retno said.

Momen: Myanmar’s lack of sincerity delaying Rohingya repatriation

Dhaka Tribune  

Anwar Hussain, Chittagong
January 10th, 2021

The only solution to the crisis is taking back the forcibly displaced people, says the foreign minister

Reiterating Myanmar was not sincere about taking back the Rohingyas, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen says that talks over the matter have resumed after it was stalled due to the pandemic and national elections in the neighbouring country.

Speaking at an event in Chittagong on Sunday, Momen, however, said that he was optimistic about the repatriation initiative, but was not sure when it would start.

The foreign minister made the remarks while speaking at a book launching ceremony held at the Chittagong Press Club.

At the event, two books by former ambassador to Myanmar Maj (retd) Md Emdadul Islam published by Prothoma Prakashan and Kharimati were unveiled.