The Rohingya Crisis Myanmar Must Take Responsibility

The Rohingya refugee crisis has become one of the most pressing humanitarian and diplomatic challenges in South Asia.

Nearly nine years after the mass displacement of Rohingya people from Myanmar in 2017, Bangladesh continues to shoulder an enormous responsibility, while a lasting solution remains elusive.

The recent statement by Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman that Myanmar must take responsibility for resolving the crisis deserves serious attention from the international community.

Bangladesh is currently hosting approximately 1.2 million Rohingya refugees who fled persecution and violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine State.

According to the minister, between 82 and 90 children are born in the refugee camps every day. This alarming development indicates that the crisis is becoming increasingly difficult to manage.

An entire generation is growing up in overcrowded camps without citizenship, a secure homeland or a clear prospect of a normal future.

What began as an emergency humanitarian response has gradually developed into a major economic, environmental, social and security challenge for Bangladesh.

The pressure on local resources, public services and the environment in Cox’s Bazar is substantial. Bangladesh, despite its limited economic resources, cannot be expected to shoulder this responsibility indefinitely.

The fundamental responsibility for resolving the crisis rests with Myanmar, where the persecution and forced displacement originated.

However, diplomatic initiatives have so far failed to produce meaningful progress towards repatriation. Any return must be voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable.

Rohingyas must be assured of citizenship, security, freedom of movement, educational opportunities, property rights and fundamental human rights. Sending them back without these guarantees would risk repeating the tragedy.

Bangladesh must intensify diplomatic engagement through the United Nations and other international forums. China and India, given their geographical proximity and strategic influence in Myanmar, should play a more constructive role.

ASEAN, the United States, the European Union and other influential partners must also contribute to creating conditions for a negotiated solution. International accountability for the persecution of the Rohingya population should remain an important part of this effort.

Meanwhile, humanitarian assistance must continue, and the interests of communities hosting the refugees must not be neglected. Education, healthcare, security and livelihood opportunities also require attention.

The Rohingya crisis is not merely a bilateral problem between Bangladesh and Myanmar; it is a regional and international responsibility.

Myanmar must create the conditions for the safe return of its displaced population, while the international community must translate its expressions of solidarity into effective action.

Peace and prosperity in this region cannot be secured while more than a million people remain deprived of their homeland and fundamental rights. The time has come to move beyond diplomatic assurances towards a concrete and coordinated solution.