Rohingya repatriation only viable, sustainable solution to crisis, says CA Yunus

“The problem began in Myanmar, and the solution must also come from there,” he says

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has said that the repatriation of more than 1 million displaced Rohingya people to their homeland in Myanmar’s Rakhine State remains the only viable and sustainable solution to the crisis.

He urged the UN refugee agency to continue its active engagement to facilitate their safe return.

The chief advisor made the remarks on Wednesday during the visit of the newly appointed country representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Ivo Freijsen, at the State Guest House Jamuna.

During the meeting, the UNHCR representative highlighted the “dramatic decline” in aid for Rohingya refugees living in camps in Bangladesh’s southeastern district of Cox’s Bazar and stressed the need for greater self-reliance and livelihood opportunities in the settlements.

Yunus said the Rohingya crisis was not receiving the attention it deserved, despite the interim government of Bangladesh organising a series of high-profile events over the past year, including a visit by the UN Secretary-General to the camps during Ramadan, which helped draw international focus to the humanitarian issue.

He said prolonged stay of the Rohingya in the camps could never be a solution, as it had already created tensions with host communities, and called for renewed international efforts to ensure repatriation.

“The problem began in Myanmar, and the solution must also come from there. A frustrated and angry young generation is growing up in the camps, with access to technology. This is not good news for anyone. Our job is to make sure they return to their homeland in peace and dignity,” the chief advisor said.

The meeting also covered the Rohingya situation in Bhasan Char, the upcoming general elections and referendum, and the country’s democratic transition. Yunus noted that many refugees had fled shelters on Bhasan Char island and blended into the mainland population, creating new challenges for the country.

Freijsen said that Barham Salih, the newly appointed UNHCR chief, has expressed keen interest in visiting Bangladesh in the near future and is expected to travel to the Rohingya camps. His predecessor, Filippo Grandi, visited the camps several times since 2017.

Chief Advisor Yunus said Bangladesh was fully prepared to hold free, fair and festive elections.

“We want to set a new standard in conducting elections. All our efforts are focused on ensuring a credible and well-conducted poll. For first-time and new voters, we want the process to be enjoyable and to create a festive and inclusive atmosphere,” he said.