Washington-based analyst Steve Ross, a Senior Fellow at the Stimson Center specializing in Myanmar's Rakhine State crisis, has drawn attention in Bangladesh due to his frequent visits and engagements with government officials, humanitarian organizations, and Rohingya-related stakeholders.

Ross, who leads the Stimson Center's project on the crisis in Myanmar's Rakhine State, has made multiple trips to Bangladesh since 2025. His work focuses on peacebuilding, governance in conflict-affected areas, and the prospects for Rohingya repatriation from Bangladesh to Myanmar.

According to reports, Ross visited Bangladesh on several occasions between 2025 and early 2026, including an extended stay. In March 2026, he traveled to Cox's Bazar, where he toured the Kutupalong Rohingya refugee camps and held meetings with representatives from international media, aid agencies, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).

He also reportedly met with senior officials from Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Planning, as well as a member of parliament. These interactions have occurred without formal diplomatic protocol in some cases, prompting questions from security analysts about the scope of his activities beyond academic research.

Ross has publicly emphasized the link between addressing insecurity in Rakhine State and the feasibility of safe, voluntary repatriation of Rohingya refugees. In his writings and interviews, he has highlighted the challenges faced by Bangladesh's interim government in managing the refugee situation alongside domestic priorities and border tensions with Myanmar.

Some Bangladeshi analysts and security sources have expressed concerns that certain engagements could indirectly influence policy discussions on border security, repatriation, and relations with ethnic armed groups in Rakhine, particularly the Arakan Army (AA), which has gained significant territorial control amid Myanmar's ongoing civil conflict.

Ross is said to be part of a broader network of researchers and activists focused on the Rohingya issue. This includes Thomas Kean, senior consultant at the International Crisis Group for Myanmar and Bangladesh; Dr. Emma Leslie, co-founder of the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies; and Eva Buzo, executive director of Victim Advocates International. These individuals have long worked on human rights, peacebuilding, and documentation of atrocities in the region.

Critics in Bangladesh have alleged that some international voices advocate for pragmatic engagement with the Arakan Army to facilitate repatriation or humanitarian access, viewing the group as a de facto authority in parts of Rakhine. They argue this could undermine Bangladesh's long-standing position on the Rohingya crisis and its relations with Myanmar. However, Ross's published work frames these issues in terms of practical security needs for both Bangladesh and sustainable returns, rather than explicit lobbying for any armed group.

Bangladesh's Foreign Ministry is reportedly monitoring foreign engagements related to the sensitive Rohingya file. Officials stress the importance of safeguarding national sovereignty and ensuring that any discussions on repatriation prioritize the safety and rights of the refugees in line with international standards.

The Rohingya crisis remains a complex regional challenge involving humanitarian, security, and geopolitical dimensions. With over a million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, sustainable solutions require coordinated international efforts, including safe conditions for return in Myanmar, which continue to be elusive amid ongoing fighting.

This situation underscores the delicate balance Bangladesh must maintain between humanitarian responsibilities and its core national security interests in a volatile neighborhood. Further transparency in foreign research and advocacy activities could help address public concerns while advancing constructive dialogue on repatriation.

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