Myanmar recognises 283,000 Rohingyas

Myanmar has formally recognised 283,086 Rohingyas currently sheltering in Bangladesh as “persons who previously resided in Myanmar”, Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman informed Parliament on Tuesday, although he cautioned that no timeframe could yet be set for the start of repatriation.

Responding to a written question from Chattogram-15 lawmaker Shahjahan Chowdhury, the minister said Bangladesh has submitted information on 829,036 Rohingyas to Myanmar in six phases as part of the verification process.

Of the 393,503 individuals whose details have so far been verified by Myanmar, 283,086 have been recognised as former residents of the country, he said.

According to the latest data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Bangladesh currently hosts 1,189,213 forcibly displaced Rohingyas.

In his question, Shahjahan sought updates on repatriation efforts, discussions with Myanmar and the international community, and measures being taken to address security and humanitarian challenges in the refugee camps.

Khalilur Rahman said the repatriation process remains highly complex and is dependent on several factors, including the security situation in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, the level of international engagement and the willingness of Myanmar authorities to facilitate returns.

Given the continuing conflict in Rakhine, refugees cannot be returned to unsafe conditions, he said.
The minister noted that Bangladesh is working to facilitate dialogue between Myanmar authorities and the Arakan Army in an effort to help create conditions conducive to repatriation.

At the same time, preparations are being maintained to ensure that any future return is safe, voluntary and sustainable.

On humanitarian assistance, he said support for the Rohingya population is being coordinated through the Joint Response Plan (JRP), implemented by the United Nations and international partners.

Of the US$964.5 million sought under the 2025 JRP, approximately US$624 million has been received. To address ongoing funding constraints, Bangladesh and the UN have launched the JRP Update 2026, seeking US$710.5 million, of which US$291 million has already been secured.

Highlighting diplomatic efforts, the minister said a resolution on the Rohingya crisis was unanimously adopted by the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly.

Jointly sponsored by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the European Union, and co-sponsored by 105 countries, the resolution calls for enhanced international efforts to ensure the safe, voluntary and dignified return of Rohingyas to Myanmar.

Khalilur Rahman also said Bangladesh continues to support The Gambia’s case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in pursuit of justice and accountability for the origins of the crisis.
Regarding third-country resettlement, he said Bangladesh, in cooperation with the Ministry of Home Affairs, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the International Rescue Committee (IRC), has facilitated the relocation of 5,712 Rohingyas through the IOM and 697 through the IRC.

Between February and April this year, 191 Rohingyas were resettled in Canada, the United Kingdom and New Zealand through the IOM, while a further 145 were resettled in Australia through the IRC.
However, the minister emphasised that third-country resettlement cannot provide a permanent solution, reiterating that the safe and sustainable return of Rohingyas to Rakhine State remains the only durable resolution to the crisis.

On security in the camps, he said a special task force has been conducting joint operations to combat drug trafficking, arms smuggling and other criminal activities. New operational procedures have also been introduced to strengthen security management and accountability.

According to national intelligence data cited by the minister, murders in the camps declined from 66 in 2023 to 49 in 2024 and 35 in 2025. During the first three months of 2026, six such incidents were recorded.