Bangladesh Reiterates Repatriation as Only Solution to Rohingya Crisis

Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh

Arakan Now | 25 March 2026

UNHCR Country Representative Ivo Freijsen met State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, MP, at her office on Tuesday.

The State Minister welcomed him and expressed appreciation for UNHCR’s continued support for forcibly displaced Rohingyas, particularly its lead role under the Rohingya Response Plan.

She underlined that repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar is the only viable solution to the crisis. Bangladesh will continue to work with UNHCR and other partners to identify practical pathways while sustaining humanitarian assistance in Bhasan Char and Cox's Bazar.

In view of funding shortfalls, the State Minister called on UNHCR to maintain efforts to address urgent humanitarian needs, including food, medicine, water and sanitation, and education under the Joint Response Plan (JRP).

Both sides agreed to work together to keep international attention focused on the issue.

Freijsen appreciated Bangladesh’s generosity in hosting Rohingyas and reaffirmed UNHCR’s continued commitment to supporting the country.