Dhaka Urges China to Play More Active Role in Rohingya Crisis Resolution

Describing the Rohingya crisis as a critical issue for Bangladesh, Hossain reiterated that repatriation is the only viable solution.

Staff Reporter

Oct 16, 2024, 05:14 AM2 min read

Dhaka Urges China to Play More Active Role in Rohingya Crisis Resolution

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain/Sourced Image

Bangladesh has called on China to play a more active role in resolving the Rohingya crisis, emphasizing China's significant influence over Myanmar. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain acknowledged China's cooperation with Bangladesh but urged for greater involvement to ensure the repatriation of the displaced Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar.

“China has a lot of influence on Myanmar. Let’s accept this reality. We would look forward to a more active Chinese role ensuring that we can send them back,” Hossain said during a seminar in Dhaka.

Describing the Rohingya crisis as a critical issue for Bangladesh, Hossain reiterated that repatriation is the only viable solution. “We know there is only one solution – they (Rohingyas) have to go back to their homes in Myanmar,” he said, while also calling for international support to facilitate the process.

He emphasized that Bangladesh and China have maintained a relationship based on equity and mutual support, setting a strong example of friendly cooperation.

May be an image of 7 people and child — Rohingya woman in Ukhiya refugee Camp

The seminar, titled "Bangladesh-China Relations: A Future Outlook," was organized by the Chinese Embassy in collaboration with the Center for Chinese Studies (SIIS-DU) and the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS). Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen delivered the keynote speech, while prominent figures such as SIIS Prof Dr. Yang Jiemian, Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, and Major General Iftekhar Anis also attended.

Highlighting the urgency of the Rohingya crisis, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus recently stressed that a solution lies in the hands of the international community, not just Bangladesh. He emphasized the need for joint efforts from ASEAN, Malaysia, and the global community to resolve the issue.

Bangladesh has been hosting over 1.2 million Rohingya refugees since the mass exodus from Myanmar in 2017. Humanitarian agencies have appealed for $852 million in 2024 to support 1.35 million people, including Rohingyas and host communities in Bangladesh, but the funding remains insufficient, according to UNHCR.

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