Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has urged Asian leaders to step forward and ensure the safe and dignified repatriation of displaced Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar.

Speaking at the opening plenary of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) conference in Hainan on Thursday (March 27), Prof Yunus highlighted the ongoing burden Bangladesh has been shouldering for over seven years by hosting more than 1.2 million Rohingyas.
"We continue to bear significant social, economic, and environmental costs," he stated, underscoring the urgent need for a collective regional effort.
Prof Yunus pointed out that despite global solidarity, including a recent visit by UN Secretary-General António Guterres to the Rohingya camps, international efforts are shrinking. He called on Asian nations to unite in ensuring a permanent and just resolution to the crisis.
Highlighting the broader geopolitical tensions, Prof Yunus drew attention to multiple global crises, including the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the prolonged war in Ukraine, which have disrupted economies and supply chains. He also warned that Myanmar’s protracted instability poses a threat to regional peace and security.
"The crisis in Palestine is not just an Arab or Muslim issue; it is a humanitarian issue," he remarked.

Shifting focus to Asia’s economic landscape, Prof Yunus emphasized the importance of leveraging the region’s young workforce. He advocated for increased financial access for entrepreneurship and sustainable initiatives, along with an education system aligned with evolving global job markets.
"Investing in human capital will shape Asia’s future competitiveness," he asserted.
He also called for stronger efforts to bridge gender gaps, noting that women’s labour force participation in Asia remains low.
Prof Yunus praised Asia’s cultural diversity as a key strength that has shaped global philosophies and governance. He highlighted the importance of blending tradition with modern innovation to maintain the region’s dynamism.
"The melding of tradition and modernity creates a unique energy that propels Asia forward while honouring its deep historical roots," he said.
While regional cooperation is crucial, Prof Yunus’ remarks underscore the necessity of sustained international pressure on Myanmar to ensure Rohingya repatriation. The global community, including the United Nations and major powers, must hold Myanmar accountable for the safe and voluntary return of the displaced population.
With Myanmar’s military regime resisting repatriation efforts and human rights organizations warning of continued persecution, international diplomatic and economic pressure is vital. Stronger sanctions, targeted diplomatic efforts, and accountability measures against Myanmar’s leadership are necessary to end the crisis.

The Boao Forum for Asia conference was also addressed by Secretary General of the Boao Forum Zhang Jun, Chairman and former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and Executive Vice Premier of China Ding Xuexiang.
Prof Yunus’ appeal at the BFA conference serves as a critical reminder that the Rohingya crisis remains unresolved. Without coordinated Asian leadership and international pressure, a safe and lasting solution will remain out of reach.
 

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