Bangladesh has provided information on 829,036 Rohingya refugees to Myanmar authorities in six phases as part of efforts to begin repatriation, Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman told parliament.
Responding to a query, he said that as of January 2026, Myanmar had verified around 354,751 individuals. Among them, 253,964 have been identified as “persons previously residing in Myanmar,” a key requirement for repatriation.
However, he noted that the process cannot begin at this time due to the ongoing conflict in Myanmar. He reiterated that Bangladesh views safe, voluntary, and dignified return as the only sustainable solution and will continue diplomatic, legal and humanitarian efforts with international support.
According to The Daily Star, Bangladesh has stepped up engagement at global platforms to keep the crisis in focus, including a high-level event on the Rohingya issue during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 30, 2025, the first such conference at that level.
The minister also highlighted the genocide case filed by The Gambia against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice, where hearings in the merit phase were held from January 12 to 29, 2026. Bangladesh has supported the case through the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and provided financial assistance, with plans to contribute further as costs increase.
He said the Rohingya issue is also being discussed at the current session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, where Bangladesh organized a side event on March 12 focusing on human rights, accountability and repatriation challenges. The upcoming OIC Council of Foreign Ministers meeting is expected to adopt two resolutions on the issue, with Bangladesh playing a leading role.
Separately, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said there is no fuel crisis in the country, adding that the government is working to diversify energy imports beyond the Middle East while ensuring the safety of Bangladeshis living in the region amid ongoing tensions.
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