Rohingya repatriation only viable, sustainable solution to crisis: CA Yunus
Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has said the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of more than one million Rohingya refugees to Myanmar’s Rakhine State remains the only viable and sustainable way to resolve the long-running crisis, urging renewed international action to make it happen.
Yunus made the remarks on Wednesday during a meeting with newly appointed UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) country representative Ivo Freijsen at the State Guest House Jamuna. He called on UNHCR to continue playing an active role in mobilising global support and engaging Myanmar to facilitate conditions for return.
During the discussion, Freijsen warned of a 'dramatic decline' in humanitarian funding for Rohingya refugees living in camps in Cox’s Bazar, raising concerns over food security, healthcare and education. He stressed the importance of expanding livelihood opportunities and self-reliance initiatives to prevent further deterioration of living conditions.
Yunus said the crisis has slipped down the global agenda despite Bangladesh hosting one of the world’s largest refugee populations. He noted that the interim government had sought to revive international attention through diplomatic outreach, including a recent visit by the UN Secretary-General to the camps during Ramadan.
He cautioned that prolonged displacement was fuelling frustration among Rohingya youth and straining relations with host communities. 'This problem began in Myanmar, and the solution must come from there,' Yunus said, warning that growing anger and hopelessness in the camps posed wider regional risks.
The meeting also touched on challenges at Bhasan Char, where some refugees have reportedly left shelters and merged into mainland communities, complicating monitoring and assistance. Yunus reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to democratic transition and said the country was fully prepared to hold free, fair and inclusive elections, calling them central to long-term stability.
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