by Hafizur Rahman
Cox’s Bazar, October 7, 2025:
There can be no lasting solution to the Rohingya crisis unless safe and dignified repatriation to Myanmar begins, said Mohammed Mizanur Rahman, Additional Secretary and Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC).
He made the remarks while addressing an event organised by ActionAid Bangladesh in Cox’s Bazar on Sunday, marking eight years of its Rohingya response programme.
Repatriation Central to a Lasting Solution
“For the past eight years, the Government has been working tirelessly to resolve the Rohingya crisis,” Rahman said. “Over the past year, Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus has visited the camps twice, an international conference has been organised, and the issue was discussed at the United Nations General Assembly. However, unless dignified and safe repatriation begins, we do not see any sustainable solution to this crisis.”
Rahman reaffirmed that the government remains committed to ensuring a voluntary, safe, and dignified repatriation process, saying only repatriation can bring lasting peace and stability in the region.
ActionAid’s Eight-Year Review
The programme highlighted ActionAid Bangladesh’s eight years of work to protect the rights and dignity of Rohingya refugees. Speakers discussed long-term and sustainable solutions through stronger collaboration between national and international organisations.
Two panel discussions were held on “Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus Strategy” and “Promoting Multi-Sectoral and Integrated Approaches.”
The panels included Md Shamsud Douza, Additional RRRC (Joint Secretary); David Welin, Assistant Representative, UNHCR; Gabriella Virginia Natascia Zullino, Senior Protection Officer, UNHCR; David Bugden, Principal Coordinator, ISCG; Silja Rajander, Head of Cox’s Bazar Sub-Office, UN Women; Juan Carlos Martinez Bandera, Head of Programme Area Office, WFP; Shahariar Sadat, Deputy Executive Director, Centre for Peace and Justice, BRAC University; and Jasmin Akter, award-winning coach from Bradford, UK, representing Rohingya Action North East.
Calls for Empowerment and Inclusion
Speakers emphasised that sustainable solutions depend on greater investment in women and youth empowerment, vocational training, and skills development for Rohingya refugees. They also called for improved community participation in project planning and stronger coordination among humanitarian organisations working in the camps.
ActionAid Bangladesh’s Country Director Farah Kabir said,
“There can be no compromise when it comes to humanitarian assistance. The miserable lives of the Rohingya cannot be ignored. The injustice they have faced must never be forgotten by the world, and justice must be ensured. We need a comprehensive master plan for the Rohingya response, bringing together all sectors under one coordinated approach.”
Recognising Humanitarian Efforts
As part of the event, six individuals were recognised with the “Beacon of Hope Award” for their exceptional contribution to humanitarian support for Rohingya refugees. The awardees were Maung Solaiman Shah, Mohammed Idrish, Kazi Md Shoeb Amran, Md Azad Moral, Jesmin Prema, and Ummay Hafsa.
The programme also featured a documentary screening on ActionAid’s eight years of Rohingya response, a refugee-performed stage play titled “Hotte Thamibo” (We Shall Not Stop), and an exhibition named “Camp Hope” showcasing daily life in the refugee camps.
Dignified Return Remains the Priority
Prominent attendees included Abdul Alim, Head of Humanitarian Programme, ActionAid Bangladesh; Maruf Mohammad Shehab, Head of Innovation and Resource Mobilisation; Sukarna Abdullah, Co-Coordinator of the NGO Platform in Cox’s Bazar; and Razia Sultana, Founder and Executive Director of RW Welfare Society.
Rahman concluded by stressing that humanitarian efforts alone cannot ensure peace. “Without repatriation, the crisis will only prolong. We must work together to create conditions where Rohingya can return home safely and with dignity,” he said.
