Rights Groups Urge Bangladesh’s New Leader to Protect Rohingya Refugees

Photo: Collected

Arakan Now, 16 March 2026

A coalition of nine international human rights organizations has called on Bangladesh’s newly elected Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman, to strengthen protections for nearly 1.2 million Rohingya refugees and ensure that none are forcibly returned to Myanmar. 

In a joint letter dated March 12, the groups — including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Fortify Rights — welcomed the prime minister’s pledge to continue hosting Rohingya refugees as long as conditions in Myanmar remain unsafe. At the same time, they warned that refugees remain in a fragile situation, with most living in crowded camps in Cox’s Bazar and on the remote island of Bhasan Char, where humanitarian aid has declined in recent years.

The organizations urged the government of Bangladesh to prevent any forced repatriation and to ensure that returns to Myanmar take place only when they are voluntary, safe, and dignified. They also called for the closure of the Bhasan Char camp and asked authorities to allow residents to move freely to the mainland if they wish. The coalition recommended easing restrictions on movement and work so Rohingya refugees can support themselves and called for greater access to formal education for children based on the Burmese curriculum. 

The groups further urged Bangladesh to ratify the 1951 Refugee Convention and create a national legal framework to recognize and protect refugee status. They also encouraged Dhaka to take a stronger regional role by helping facilitate humanitarian aid into Myanmar’s Rakhine State and by creating platforms where Rohingya representatives and civil society can take part in policy discussions affecting their future.