Bangladesh Shares Data of 8.29 Lakh Rohingyas with Myanmar for Repatriation
Bangladesh has shared data of more than 8.29 lakh Rohingya refugees with Myanmar in six phases for repatriation, while the return process remains stalled due to ongoing conflict across Myanmar.
Photo Source: Al Jazeera
DHAKA, Mar 30: Bangladesh has shared information on 829,036 Rohingya refugees with the Myanmar authorities in six phases as part of ongoing efforts to facilitate their safe return, Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman said on Monday.
Speaking in parliament in a written response to a question from Chattogram-15 lawmaker Shahjahan Chowdhury, the foreign minister said Myanmar had, as of January 2026, completed verification of 354,751 individuals from the submitted list.
Of those verified, 253,964 people have been identified as persons who previously resided in Myanmar, marking a significant step in the long-delayed repatriation process. (The Daily Star)
However, the minister made it clear that repatriation cannot begin immediately because of the continuing armed conflict and instability inside Myanmar.
“Due to the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, the repatriation process cannot be started right now,” he said. (The Daily Star)
Bangladesh has repeatedly maintained that safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation remains the only sustainable and long-term solution to the Rohingya crisis. The minister said Dhaka will continue diplomatic, legal, and humanitarian efforts with support from the international community.
He also highlighted that the Rohingya issue received renewed international attention during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 30, 2025, where a high-level event focused on the crisis was held for the first time.
At that meeting, repatriation was strongly emphasized as the permanent solution to the crisis. (The Daily Star)
The foreign minister further referred to the ongoing genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, formally known as The Gambia vs Myanmar. He noted that the merit hearings were held from January 12 to 29, 2026, and Bangladesh has continued to support the case through the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, including financial assistance.
In addition, Bangladesh recently organized a side event at the current UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva on March 12, focusing on human rights, accountability, and challenges surrounding Rohingya repatriation. (The Daily Star)
The minister also said the upcoming OIC Council of Foreign Ministers meeting is expected to adopt two resolutions on the Rohingya issue, with Bangladesh playing a leading role in drafting and negotiations.
The development comes as more than 1.3 million Rohingya refugees continue to live in camps across Cox’s Bazar, most of whom fled violence and persecution in Myanmar since 2017. (Anadolu Ajansı)