Bangladesh has called on Japan to use its diplomatic influence to help facilitate the safe, voluntary and dignified return of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar, as Dhaka continues to grapple with the mounting economic and social pressures created by the protracted crisis.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman made the appeal during a meeting with Yohei Sasakawa, Japan’s Special Envoy for National Reconciliation in Myanmar and chairman of the Nippon Foundation, at the Prime Minister’s Office on Monday.

Describing the Rohingya crisis as one of Bangladesh’s major challenges, Tarique thanked Japan for its continued humanitarian and diplomatic support. He said hosting a large Rohingya population for years had placed additional pressure on Bangladesh’s economy, infrastructure, and public services.

The prime minister stressed that repatriation must ultimately provide refugees with the opportunity to rebuild their lives in Myanmar. Bangladesh, he said, was prepared to extend necessary assistance for the rehabilitation of returnees once a safe and sustainable repatriation process begins.

According to UNB, the meeting also highlighted the need for stronger international and multilateral engagement, rather than relying solely on bilateral efforts, to achieve a durable solution to the Rohingya crisis.

Sasakawa said he was aware of the heavy burden the refugee crisis had placed on Bangladesh and referred to Japan’s humanitarian assistance and grants for Rohingya refugees. He also said he had discussed the crisis with Myanmar’s president and believed the Myanmar government was serious about addressing the issue.

However, he acknowledged that the complicated situation in Rakhine State could delay progress on repatriation.

Sasakawa assured the prime minister that he would make his best efforts, within his position, to contribute to resolving the crisis.

Beyond the Rohingya issue, Tarique sought Japanese cooperation in establishing a vaccine manufacturing facility in Bangladesh. He also expressed Dhaka’s interest in attracting Japanese investment, saying the government was working to create a more investment-friendly environment.

The prime minister further said Bangladesh wanted to strengthen bilateral ties with Myanmar, alongside efforts to create conditions for the sustainable return of the Rohingya.

Sasakawa, who has worked on peacebuilding and reducing inequality in different parts of the world for nearly five decades, briefed the prime minister on his role as Japan’s special envoy for Myanmar’s national reconciliation.

The meeting was attended by Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Finance and Planning Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Foreign Affairs State Minister-1 Humayun Kabir, Foreign Affairs State Minister-2 Shama Obaid and the prime minister’s special assistant Shakirul Islam Khan.

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