Ukhiya, January 2025 — Dr. Khalilur Rahman, the High Representative of Hon’ble Chief Adviser of Bangladesh on Rohingya Crisis and Priority Issues Affairs, visited the Rohingya refugee camps in Ukhiya to discuss the upcoming International Conference on Rohingya Muslims.
The conference, announced by the United Nations General Assembly in response to the call of Bangladesh’s Hon’ble Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, aims to address the crisis and chart a path forward. While Dr. Rahman represents the Bangladesh government in these efforts, the conference presents an opportunity for Rohingya voices to be heard globally.
A Call for Unity Among Rohingyas
Dr. Rahman urged the Rohingya community to come together and develop a unified stance for the conference. He emphasized that as the primary stakeholders, a clear and collective position from the Rohingyas will play a crucial role in shaping the outcomes of the conference, which seeks to support safe and sustainable repatriation to Arakan.
He also encouraged the community to avoid actions that could negatively impact their cause and focus on constructive engagement to resolve their plight. In response, community members pledged to work toward creating a common platform for presenting their demands.
While acknowledging the support of Bangladesh in hosting millions of refugees, the Rohingya community expressed gratitude for Professor Yunus’s advocacy at the international level.
UN Teams Engage with the Process
During his visit, Dr. Rahman also engaged with UN humanitarian teams operating in the camps. Gwyn Lewis, the UN Resident Coordinator, reiterated that the UN leadership stands in full support of the Hon’ble Chief Adviser and Dr. Rahman in their efforts regarding the Rohingya issue and the upcoming conference.
Rohingya Perspective on the Conference
As Rohingyas, we see this conference as a critical moment to highlight our struggles and rights. However, it is essential to recognize that both Dr. Rahman and Professor Yunus represent Bangladesh’s leadership in this process. While their efforts are appreciated, the Rohingya community remains focused on ensuring that our voice—the voice of those directly affected—guides the discussions and decisions of the conference.
This is a crucial opportunity for us to advocate for our rightful return to Arakan with security, citizenship, and dignity. Standing united and presenting a clear vision will be key to ensuring meaningful outcomes.
