Bangladesh shares data on 829,036 Rohingyas with Myanmar for repatriation: Foreign Minister
- Arakan Now
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
Arakan Now | 30 March 2026
Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman today said Bangladesh has shared information on 829,036 Rohingya refugees with the Myanmar government for repatriation in six phases, according to The Daily Star.
“As of January 2026, Myanmar authorities have completed verification of about 354,751 individuals. Of them, 253,964 have been identified as ‘persons previously residing in Myanmar’,” he said in a scripted reply to a question from Chattogram-15 MP Shahjahan Chowdhury in Parliament.
“However, due to the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, the repatriation process cannot begin at this time,” he added.
He reiterated that Bangladesh views safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation as the only sustainable solution and will continue diplomatic, legal, and humanitarian efforts with international support.
He further noted that on September 30, 2025, a high-level event on the Rohingya crisis was held during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, where repatriation was presented as the permanent solution. It was the first such high-level conference on the issue at the General Assembly.
The foreign minister also highlighted the ongoing case at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, “Gambia v. Myanmar,” concerning allegations of genocide. The merits phase hearings were held from January 12 to 29, 2026. Bangladesh has supported the case through the OIC, provided financial assistance, and agreed to contribute additional funds as costs have increased.
He said the Rohingya issue is also being discussed at the current UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva. Bangladesh organised a side event there on March 12, focusing on human rights, repatriation challenges, and accountability.
The foreign minister added that the upcoming OIC Council of Foreign Ministers meeting is expected to adopt two resolutions on the Rohingya issue, with Bangladesh playing a leading role in drafting and negotiations.
