National Security Adviser and High Representative of the Chief Adviser on Rohingya Affairs, Dr. Khalilur Rahman, has reiterated that the only sustainable solution to the protracted Rohingya crisis lies in their safe, dignified, and voluntary repatriation to Myanmar.

Speaking at a briefing for foreign diplomats and international development partners at the Foreign Service Academy on Sunday(August 18), Dr. Rahman said Bangladesh is actively preparing for a high-level United Nations conference on the Rohingya issue, scheduled to take place in New York on September 30.

“The Rohingya crisis was fading from the global agenda,” he remarked. “Last year, the Principal Adviser called for an international conference, and we received an immediate response. This effort led to a unanimous UN General Assembly resolution, with 106 countries co-sponsoring the initiative demonstrating strong international backing.”

Calling the upcoming UN conference, a “historic opportunity,” Dr. Rahman stressed that Bangladesh is committed to ensuring the Rohingya people’s voices are represented on the global stage. “We are speaking for their hopes, dreams, and aspirations, even though they are not UN members,” he said.

While acknowledging the importance of continued humanitarian support, the adviser cautioned that aid alone cannot resolve the crisis. “No matter how much support we receive, the truth remains: the Rohingyas must go back to their homeland. That is the only permanent solution,” he underscored.

He also warned of risks to social stability in Cox’s Bazar and surrounding areas if international funding continues to decline, urging sustained donor engagement.

As part of preparations for the New York conference, a “Partner Dialogue” will be held in Cox’s Bazar on August 25, marking the eighth anniversary of the Rohingya mass exodus. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus is expected to attend the event as chief guest.

BOB Post