PM proposes 5-plans, leaders seek time-bound roadmap
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s five-point proposal for resolving the Rohingya crisis at the United Nations has been followed by renewed calls from Rohingya leaders for a clear, time-bound roadmap for repatriation, with accountability and rights guarantees at the centre of any durable solution.
Speaking at a high-level side event at the UN headquarters in New York on Wednesday, Tarique called for five urgent measures: a credible roadmap for early, safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation; an end to violence and guarantees of Rohingya rights and security; adequate and predictable humanitarian assistance; stronger justice and accountability; and greater regional and international cooperation to tackle transboundary crimes.
The prime minister said the international community must move from managing displacement to ending it, stressing that the Rohingya crisis originated in Myanmar and that its solution also lies there.
He said the situation in Rakhine State remained deeply concerning, with reports of forced recruitment, arbitrary detention, restrictions on movement, forced labour and other forms of insecurity. He also said serious violations had been reported by both the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army.
“International judicial and investigative mechanisms must receive sustained support. Those responsible for grave crimes must be held accountable,” Tarique said, while highlighting the roles of the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court and other international justice mechanisms.
He also called for stronger international cooperation against the narco-economy, human trafficking, digital scams, illegal arms and other transboundary crimes that he said were fuelling instability in the region.
Rohingya leaders seek time-bound roadmap
Rohingya leaders in Cox’s Bazar have echoed the call for a concrete repatriation plan, saying repeated diplomatic commitments have yet to translate into a return process.
At a human chain and rally in Camp 15 in Ukhiya on Thursday, leaders of the United Council of Rohingya called on the UN and member states to establish a clear, time-bound roadmap for safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation.
UCR founding president Maulvi Sayed Ullah said Rohingyas had spent nine years in the camps relying on international assistance and that concrete decisions were now needed about their future.
“There should be no more indefinite displacement. The time has come to create conditions for Rohingyas to return home,” he said.
The organisation said any sustainable solution must address the root causes of the crisis, including violence and persecution in Myanmar. It also called for guarantees of citizenship rights, security, freedom of movement and a dignified life for returning Rohingyas.
Rohingya leaders further demanded accountability for violence and persecution and urged stronger international justice mechanisms, including proceedings at the ICJ and ICC.
Rohingya leader Master Mohammad Soib said discussions alone would not ensure repatriation, while Mohammad Rafiq said the international community had repeatedly recognised the Rohingyas’ right to return but that they remained in the camps.
Women’s leader Sajida Begum also called for conditions that would allow Rohingyas to return safely and with dignity.
Nine years of displacement
Bangladesh has hosted more than 1.2 million Rohingyas, most of whom fled Myanmar following the massive influx in 2017. Tarique said Bangladesh opened its borders on humanitarian grounds and continues to provide food, healthcare and education to the refugees.
He warned that continued displacement was creating another generation of Rohingyas in the camps, with thousands of children being born there every year.
The prime minister also urged sustained international humanitarian support, saying Bangladesh should not have to shoulder the growing burden alone.
The latest calls from the government and Rohingya representatives come as previous diplomatic initiatives have failed to produce a sustained repatriation process.
Rohingya leaders are now pressing for international commitments to move beyond statements of solidarity towards concrete measures that address security, rights, accountability and the conditions necessary for a voluntary return.
