Dhaka seeks more active role from Beijing to resolve Rohingya crisis
“China has a lot of influence on Myanmar. Let’s accept this reality. We would look forward to a more active Chinese role ensuring that we can send them back,” foreign adviser says
Bangladesh has sought a more active role from China in resolving the Rohingya crisis as China is believed to have a significant influence on Myanmar.
"China has a lot of influence on Myanmar. Let's accept this reality. We would look forward to a more active Chinese role ensuring that we can send them back," said Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at a seminar today (15 October) on "Bangladesh-China Relations: A Future Outlook."
The Chinese Embassy, in collaboration with Center for Chinese Studies(SIIS-DU) and Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised the seminar, attended by Ambassador of China to Bangladesh Yao Wen as a special guest.
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Touhid also said China has been cooperating with Bangladesh in this regard.
Describing the Rohingya crisis as an important issue for Bangladesh, he said their repatriation to Myanmar is the only solution.
"We know there is only one solution – they [Rohingyas] have to go back to their homes – Myanmar," said the adviser.
Seeking international community's support for the repatriation of the Rohingyas, Hossain said there are other solutions often suggested but none of those solutions are viable.
He said the Rohingya crisis should not be repeated and their return should be ensured with their rights and security.
Hossain stressed Bangladesh and China always treat each other with equity and render each other support, setting a good example of friendly coexistence and win-win cooperation.
Director of the Academic Advisory Council, SIIS Prof Dr Yang Jiemian, Chair of the Committee on White Paper on the State of Bangladesh's Economy Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, Director General, BIISS Major General Iftekhar Anis were present at the seminar,
Highlighting the importance of a quick and international solution to the Rohingya crisis through joint efforts, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus recently said the solution to the problem is in the hands of the international community, not Bangladesh alone.
"We will keep on raising the issue. Malaysia will be supporting us in raising that. We can't wait indefinitely. This is something we have to resolve as soon as possible," he said during a joint press appearance with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at a hotel in Dhaka.
"We need to find a solution to that problem. And we work together through Asean, through the Malaysian government and through the broader international community," he said.
Malaysia is going to be the next chair of ASEAN from January 2025.
Seven years ago, on 25 August 2017, some 700,000 Rohingya men, women and children were forced to flee Myanmar and seek protection in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh is now hosting over 1.2 million Rohingyas in Cox's Bazar and Bhasan Char.
In 2024, humanitarian agencies appealed for $852 million to assist 1.35 million people, including Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshis in surrounding communities. This appeal remains inadequately funded, according to UNHCR.
