In a significant diplomatic and humanitarian breakthrough, a recent decision has been made to establish a humanitarian corridor in Arakan. This marks a pivotal first step toward the long-awaited repatriation of Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh.This development aligns with Bangladesh’s consistent call for a safe, dignified, and voluntary return of the displaced Rohingya population to their homeland.
The initiative, supported through a strategic collaboration with the United Nations and other international stakeholders, reflects growing global recognition of the urgency to resolve one of the world’s most protracted refugee crises. The formation of the corridor within Myanmar’s Rakhine State—long the site of conflict and displacement—signals a potential shift in the regional approach toward reconciliation and reintegration.
Bangladesh has shouldered the humanitarian burden of hosting over a million Rohingya since the 2017 exodus triggered by violence in Myanmar. For years, the government of Bangladesh has advocated for a sustainable solution centered on repatriation, consistently emphasizing that the root of the crisis lies within Myanmar, not Bangladesh.
Bangladesh has been under tremendous socioeconomic and environmental strain due to the long-term presence of more than a million Rohingya refugees, especially in the Cox's Bazar region. The existing state of affairs is unsustainable due to a lack of resources, overburdened infrastructure, and escalating host-refugee tensions. Repatriation is not just a humanitarian issue but also a crucial national and security matter for Bangladesh because of the threats of regional instability, cross-border criminality, and exploitation brought about by the extended displacement.
Bangladesh has reiterated that repatriation must be voluntary and under conditions that guarantee safety, citizenship rights, and sustainable livelihoods for the returning Rohingya community. The UN’s involvement is viewed as a crucial factor in monitoring and ensuring accountability in this process.
As the international community increasingly rallies behind a solution, Dhaka hopes that this momentum will translate into further action, including pressure on Myanmar to fulfill its responsibilities under international law. Bangladesh remains committed to peace, regional stability, and upholding human rights, and it calls on global actors to maintain support for a comprehensive resolution to the crisis.
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