Hurdles Persist as Bangladesh Plans Rohingya Repatriation

The interim government of Bangladesh is expressing hope that Rohingya refugees may soon return to their homeland in Myanmar to celebrate Eid next year, yet significant challenges remain due to ongoing conflict in Rakhine State.

Since a violent military crackdown in 2017, which forced hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims to flee, Bangladesh has become home to over a million Rohingya, primarily residing in extensive refugee camps in Cox's Bazar and on the island of Bhasan Char.

Recently, Myanmar's ruling military junta acknowledged that 180,000 Rohingya refugees currently in Bangladesh are eligible for repatriation. This development follows discussions held in Bangkok between representatives from both nations. The list of eligible individuals is part of a broader compilation of 800,000 names submitted by Bangladesh between 2018 and 2020, with further verification of other names reportedly underway.

Despite this progress, officials emphasize that actual repatriation will not commence until conditions in Rakhine State are deemed safe. Azad Majumder, a spokesperson for Bangladesh's interim administration, noted that the Rohingya community has consistently demanded a secure and dignified return.

In 2024, approximately 70,000 Rohingya fled Myanmar amid escalating violence between the military and the Arakan Army (AA), a rebel group advocating for greater autonomy for the ethnic Rakhine population. The AA, associated with the political organization United League of Arakan (ULA), aims to establish an autonomous region in Rakhine State that includes both Rohingya Muslims and Buddhist Rakhine.

During a visit to Cox's Bazar, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addressed the humanitarian challenges facing Rohingya refugees, who rely heavily on international aid. He indicated that the UN is considering the creation of a humanitarian aid channel from Bangladesh to Myanmar to facilitate the safe return of the Rohingya.

Guterres highlighted the importance of improving humanitarian conditions within Myanmar to ensure the success of any repatriation efforts. He acknowledged the necessity of engaging in dialogue with the Arakan Army, despite past difficulties in relations, emphasizing that such conversations are essential in the current context.

Khalilur Rahman, a representative for Rohingya issues in the interim government, confirmed ongoing dialogues with the AA, which has publicly expressed its support for the repatriation of Rohingya. Rahman stated that while the return of these 180,000 individuals is a priority, the process will require time and collaboration among all stakeholders involved.

However, experts warn that repatriation without addressing the fundamental issues of citizenship and rights for the Rohingya is unlikely to be successful. John Quinley, a director at Fortify Rights, noted that many Rohingya are hesitant to return without guarantees of safety and restored citizenship rights.

Nay San Lwin, co-founder of the Free Rohingya Coalition, suggested that the Myanmar junta must make stronger commitments to ensure the safety of returning refugees, including assurances against military actions targeting the Rohingya community.

As the situation develops, Bangladesh is working to raise global awareness regarding the plight of the Rohingya, with plans for a high-level conference supported by the UN General Assembly later this year.