Bangladesh has expressed its willingness to assist in rebuilding the economy of Myanmar's Rakhine State, emphasizing the need for peace, stability, and democracy as essential prerequisites for the repatriation of Rohingyas.

"Bangladesh has a vested interest in ensuring lasting peace, stability, and democracy in Myanmar, alongside creating a conducive environment in Rakhine State for the Rohingyas to return safely and with dignity," said Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain.

The Foreign Adviser made the remarks during an Informal Ministerial Consultation among Myanmar and its five neighboring countries in Bangkok, according to a press release.

Touhid reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to aiding Rakhine’s economic recovery when conditions allow, while calling for a comprehensive roadmap prioritizing stability in the region for Rohingya repatriation. He urged ASEAN and other regional stakeholders to take proactive measures to restore peace, security, and democracy in Myanmar.
The six-nation consultation, chaired by Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, brought together representatives from Myanmar, Bangladesh, China, India, Laos, and Thailand. Myanmar's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister U Than Swe was also in attendance.

Concerns Over Rohingya Crisis and Border Conflicts

Touhid expressed concern over the prolonged Rohingya humanitarian crisis, which has worsened with the recent influx of 60,000 individuals fleeing Myanmar. He highlighted the pressing issues of armed conflicts along border areas and transnational organized crimes, including human trafficking, and the smuggling of drugs and arms.
He reiterated the three-point proposals made by Bangladesh’s Interim Government Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus during the 79th UN General Assembly in September. Touhid expressed hope that the planned International Conference on the Rohingya issue, set for early 2025, would make meaningful progress.
The Adviser also called for enhanced intelligence sharing and collaboration among law enforcement and border agencies to tackle cross-border crimes, including online scams and illicit trafficking.

Myanmar’s Efforts for Dialogue and Development

Myanmar’s Deputy Prime Minister U Than Swe briefed the meeting on his government’s ongoing dialogue with Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs), aimed at fostering conditions for elections in 2025 and addressing transnational organized crimes. He also highlighted efforts to establish support structures for the voluntary return of displaced persons, including those from Rakhine State.

Regional and Bilateral Engagements
China and India reaffirmed their support for a Myanmar-led peace process, emphasizing dialogue among stakeholders for inclusive and sustainable solutions. Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa underscored the importance of informal regional consultations to enhance border security, combat organized crime, and support Myanmar’s journey toward a peaceful future.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Touhid held bilateral talks with Myanmar’s Foreign Minister, agreeing to strengthen cooperation on shared interests and work toward resolving the Rohingya crisis based on prior agreements. He also met with counterparts from Laos and China, reiterating the need for a time-bound and viable roadmap for the voluntary, safe, and dignified repatriation of Rohingyas.

Looking Ahead

The consultations in Bangkok are set to continue with an ASEAN-level Informal Extended Consultation on Friday, focusing on progress under ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar and related regional issues.
 

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