Bangladesh has called for China to play a more active role in resolving the long-standing Rohingya crisis, citing China’s significant influence over Myanmar. The appeal was made during a seminar on Bangladesh-China relations, organized in Dhaka on Monday, where senior officials emphasized the urgent need for the safe and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees.
“China has a lot of influence on Myanmar. Let’s accept this reality. We would look forward to a more active Chinese role in ensuring that we can send them back,” said Md Touhid Hossain, Foreign Affairs Adviser of Bangladesh, highlighting the centrality of China in the crisis. He reiterated that the return of the Rohingya to Myanmar is the only viable solution, stating, “There is only one solution—they (Rohingyas) have to go back to their homes—Myanmar.”
Bangladesh, currently hosting over 1.2 million Rohingya refugees, has been a vocal advocate for their safe return, but progress has stalled due to Myanmar’s reluctance and the lack of an international consensus. The Rohingya crisis, which erupted in 2017, led to the mass displacement of over 700,000 Rohingya, who fled persecution in Myanmar’s Rakhine State.
While seeking China’s involvement, Hossain also stressed the importance of continued international support, noting that suggestions of alternative solutions are often impractical. “The Rohingya crisis should not be repeated, and their return must be ensured with their rights and security.”
The seminar, titled “Bangladesh-China Relations: A Future Outlook”, was jointly organized by the Chinese Embassy, the Center for Chinese Studies (SIIS-DU), and the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS). Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, delivered the keynote speech, alongside other notable figures, including Dr. Yang Jiemian, Prof. Debapriya Bhattacharya, and Major General Iftekhar Anis.
In his address, Hossain emphasized the long-standing friendly ties between Bangladesh and China, which have been built on mutual respect and win-win cooperation. He expressed hope that China, as a key player in the region, could use its influence to facilitate the repatriation of the Rohingya.
Meanwhile, Nobel Laureate and Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, Prof. Muhammad Yunus, echoed similar sentiments during a joint press conference with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Yunus highlighted the urgency of resolving the Rohingya crisis, saying, “We will keep on raising the issue. Malaysia will be supporting us in raising that. We can’t wait indefinitely.” Malaysia, set to chair ASEAN from January 2025, is expected to play a pivotal role in addressing the issue.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) recently appealed for $852 million to assist 1.35 million people, including Rohingya refugees and surrounding communities in Bangladesh. However, the appeal remains underfunded, reflecting the global community’s challenges in addressing the crisis effectively.
For the displaced Rohingya, the message from the international community is clear: their safe return to Myanmar must be prioritized. As Bangladesh continues to bear the brunt of the crisis, greater international cooperation, particularly from influential nations like China, is seen as critical to finding a durable solution.
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