Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser to the interim government of Bangladesh, has called on the international community to take more decisive action to resolve the protracted Rohingya crisis.
Speaking at a stakeholder dialogue in Cox’s Bazar, he unveiled a seven-point proposal to secure a durable solution for the stateless minority.
In his opening address at the three-day international event titled “Stakeholders’ Dialogue: Takeaway to the High-Level Conference on the Rohingya Situation”, Professor Yunus stressed the urgency of addressing the ongoing persecution and displacement of the Rohingya population. “Effective measures must be taken now to halt the suffering,” he said.
The Nobel laureate outlined a comprehensive plan, which includes the following priorities:
- Developing a realistic roadmap for the rapid, safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable repatriation of Rohingya refugees.
- Securing continued donor support and bridging funding gaps for the 2025–26 Joint Response Plan.
- Urging the Myanmar government and the Arakan Army to guarantee the safety and livelihoods of the Rohingya.
- Promoting constructive dialogue with the Rohingya community and reestablishing their fundamental rights.
- Encouraging greater engagement from ASEAN and the wider international community.
- Taking a firm stand against genocide.
- Accelerating accountability mechanisms through international courts.
“Now is the time for action, not words,” Professor Yunus urged. Highlighting the inextricable connection between the Rohingya and their homeland, he warned that without effective intervention, there is a serious risk of the Rohingya being permanently uprooted from Myanmar.
He recalled sharing iftar during Ramadan in Cox’s Bazar with 100,000 Rohingya, alongside UN Secretary-General António Guterres. “We heard their plea clearly—they want to go home as soon as possible,” he said.
Citing the grave humanitarian toll on Bangladesh, Professor Yunus noted that the country is hosting 1.3 million Rohingya despite limited resources.
“Cox’s Bazar has become the world’s largest refugee camp. Nearly 32,000 children are born annually in the camps, while fewer than 500,000 Rohingya remain in Myanmar. This is a direct consequence of continued persecution,” he observed.
He expressed gratitude to national and international partners but warned that Bangladesh can no longer rely on domestic resources alone. “Global solidarity and support are now critical,” he emphasized.
Referring to his three-point proposal presented at last year’s UN General Assembly, Professor Yunus said his initiative had been acknowledged by planning a high-level summit at the upcoming General Assembly. He hoped the Cox’s Bazar dialogue would meaningfully contribute to the summit and help shape a viable roadmap for lasting resolution.
He also recalled the events of August 2017, when nearly 800,000 Rohingya fled brutal attacks in Myanmar and sought refuge in Bangladesh. “Tragically, those atrocities are still ongoing,” he said.
“The crisis began in Myanmar, and that is where the solution lies,” Professor Yunus declared, calling on all parties to act with urgency and resolve. He further appealed to ASEAN and neighbouring countries to play a more proactive role in restoring peace and stability in Rakhine and adjacent regions, while addressing transnational crimes such as human trafficking, drug smuggling, and illicit arms trade.
To the Rohingya community, he gave a message of assurance: “Bangladesh stands with you and remains committed to facilitating your dignified return to your homeland.”
The session observed a minute of silence in remembrance of the Rohingya Genocide Day.
Other speakers included Faruk-E-Azam, Adviser on Disaster Management and Relief; Khalilur Rahman, High Representative on Rohingya Affairs and Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser; and Raouf Mazou, Assistant High Commissioner of the UNHCR.
The dialogue brought together diplomats, representatives from political parties including BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, academics, international experts, UN bodies, and Rohingya community leaders.
SMS/
