Chief Adviser’s High Representative Dr. Khalilur Rahman on Tuesday (April 8) said Myanmar authorities have expressed their willingness to begin reviewing the names of 5,50,000 Rohingyas soon, in a move that could potentially revive the long-stalled repatriation process.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, Dr. Khalilur Rahman shared updates following his recent bilateral discussions with U Than Shew, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Myanmar, held on the sidelines of the sixth BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok.
“There has been some progress on the Rohingya issue,” Dr. Khalilur stated. “Out of 2,50,000 Rohingyas eligible for return, Myanmar has identified 180,000 individuals. However, there remain some confusions regarding the names and photographs of around 70,000 people. Both countries are committed to continuing talks to resolve these discrepancies.”

Dr. Khalilur also noted that Bangladesh had earlier submitted a list of 800,000 Rohingyas to Myanmar in six separate batches between 2018 and 2020. “Myanmar authorities assured us that the review of the remaining 5,50,000 names will be concluded as soon as possible,” he added.
He reiterated Bangladesh’s unwavering commitment to the safe and dignified repatriation of the forcibly displaced Rohingya population. "Bangladesh has been consistently engaging in diplomatic efforts and international dialogue to ensure voluntary repatriation in accordance with international law and human rights norms," he said.

Bangladesh, currently hosting over a million Rohingyas in camps in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char, has been under increasing pressure due to the protracted crisis and has been calling upon the global community to step up support and pressure Myanmar for a sustainable solution.
On the broader regional front, Dr. Khalilur also highlighted the outcomes of the recently concluded BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Summit held in Bangkok. He announced that Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has been elected as the new chairman of BIMSTEC for a two-year term.

“With the BIMSTEC Secretariat located in Dhaka, we hope to work together more effectively to transform the organisation into a dynamic platform for regional cooperation,” he said.
While noting the lack of progress on the much-discussed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) among BIMSTEC member states, Dr. Khalilur said Dhaka would ramp up efforts to push the agenda forward.
An agreement on maritime transport cooperation was signed during the summit, which the high representative said would bolster regional connectivity, improve port management, and enhance maritime cooperation among member states.
“We hope this will strengthen ties in the region and create new opportunities for trade and economic growth,” he concluded.
The sixth BIMSTEC Summit served as a crucial platform for member countries to discuss pressing regional issues, including humanitarian challenges, connectivity, and economic collaboration.
 

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