Staff Reporter :
A high-level meeting involving Bangladesh, Myanmar, China, India, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam is set to begin today (Thursday) in Thailand to discuss the ongoing Rohingya crisis and its implications for the region.
The meeting, scheduled for December 19 and 20, will be hosted by Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa. Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser, Md Touhid Hossain, departed Dhaka on Wednesday to participate in the talks.
Before his departure, Touhid Hossain emphasised the urgency of finding a sustainable solution for the repatriation of 1.3 million Rohingyas to Myanmar’s Rakhine state.
“The Rohingya crisis cannot be resolved overnight, but a resolution is essential,” he remarked.
The Thai government is hosting two regional discussions this week, including one with representatives of Myanmar’s military-led government. With instability in Myanmar and no clear signs of repatriation, many Rohingyas are fleeing Bangladesh in search of better living conditions and have sought refuge in neighbouring countries.
Reports indicate a growing influx of Rohingyas into Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, and other nations, raising concerns across the region. Tragically, many Rohingyas have died at sea while attempting dangerous crossings.
To address these concerns, the Thai government is engaging regional stakeholders in discussions aimed at finding a collaborative solution. Bangladesh, which has long warned of the crisis’s potential to destabilise the entire region, continues to advocate for swift and comprehensive action.
Bangladesh has repeatedly stated that unless the Rohingya crisis is resolved, it will have far-reaching implications for regional stability. These warnings appear to be materialising.
Meanwhile, the Arakan Army has reportedly taken control of Rakhine State, further escalating concerns over the fate of Rohingya refugees, many of whom are fleeing in search of safety.
US State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller addressed this development during a regular weekly meeting on Tuesday, stating that the US government would continue to work with Bangladesh and the Rohingyas.
“We are closely monitoring this situation. We remain concerned about the conflict and its potential to undermine regional stability and security,” he said.
“Helping resolve the Rohingya refugee crisis remains a priority for us. The people and government of Bangladesh have shown tremendous generosity in hosting Rohingya refugees who have fled persecution in Myanmar, and we will continue to work with Bangladesh to support Rohingyas and other vulnerable communities from Myanmar.”
