PM insists safe Rohingya return remains only viable solution

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reiterated to UNHCR Chief Filippo Grandi that safe and dignified repatriation to Myanmar represents the only viable path forward for the Rohingya crisis, according to officials familiar with their discussions. The remarks reflect Bangladesh's long-standing stance on the displacement issue that has strained the nation's humanitarian capacity since the mass exodus began in 2017.

Dhaka has consistently advocated for the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of Rohingya refugees to their homeland in Rakhine State, Myanmar. The government has maintained this position despite international pressure and the complex security situation in Myanmar that has hindered repatriation efforts to date.

Bangladesh currently hosts approximately one million Rohingya refugees concentrated primarily in sprawling camps in Cox's Bazar district. The prolonged displacement has created significant humanitarian, infrastructural, and security challenges for the host communities, prompting repeated calls from Dhaka for accelerated action on permanent solutions.

The meeting with the UNHCR leadership comes amid ongoing international diplomatic efforts to address the Myanmar situation. Bangladesh has emphasized that durable solutions require addressing root causes in Myanmar and creating conditions conducive to refugees' safe return, rather than pursuing alternative settlement options elsewhere.