by Hafizur Rahman
Dhaka, Bangladesh | August 2, 2026
Bangladesh and Myanmar have discussed increasing bilateral trade, reopening border commerce and moving forward with the repatriation of Rohingya refugees during a meeting in Dhaka on Sunday.
The discussion took place between Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir and Myanmar’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Kyaw Soe Moe, at the Ministry of Commerce.
According to officials, both sides discussed ways to expand imports and exports, restart long-suspended border trade, establish direct sea transport, increase investment and explore the import of liquefied natural gas from Myanmar.
The commerce minister said Bangladesh wants to strengthen relations with neighbouring countries through mutual respect, trust and economic cooperation. He said Bangladesh and Myanmar’s geographic proximity creates opportunities to increase trade and improve connectivity.
Myanmar’s ambassador expressed support for reopening border trade, which has remained closed for a long time. He said restarting trade routes would benefit businesses and local communities in both countries and suggested that trade could resume on a limited scale if necessary.
The two sides also discussed expanding trade in agricultural products, fish, rice, pharmaceuticals and frozen food. They agreed that stronger business-to-business cooperation could help increase commercial ties.
Rohingya repatriation was also discussed during the meeting. The commerce minister said Bangladesh wants the safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation of Rohingya refugees currently living in Bangladesh. He stressed the need for real progress on the issue.
Myanmar’s ambassador said his government was verifying the repatriation lists it had received from Bangladesh. He added that the process could move forward once the security situation becomes favourable.
However, no specific timeline, mechanism or guarantee was announced for Rohingya return. It also remains unclear how any repatriation process would be implemented while conflict and insecurity continue in Rakhine State.
Bangladesh has repeatedly said that Rohingya repatriation must be voluntary and conducted with safety, dignity and sustainability. Rohingya refugees have also consistently demanded citizenship, security, freedom of movement, return to their original homes and international protection before any return to Myanmar.
The two countries also agreed to hold regular Joint Committee meetings, organise the next meeting in Bangladesh and speed up an agreement to establish direct maritime and shipping links.
Officials said direct sea transport between Bangladesh and Myanmar would reduce transport costs and delivery time while helping expand bilateral trade.
The meeting comes at a time when Bangladesh is seeking both economic engagement with Myanmar and progress on the unresolved Rohingya crisis, while conditions inside Rakhine State remain deeply uncertain for any large-scale refugee return.
