by Hafizur Rahman
Cox’s Bazar — October 15, 2026
Rohingya representatives have called on a visiting Bangladesh parliamentary delegation to support a clear roadmap for their return to Myanmar and expand access to higher education, particularly for women and girls.
The demands were raised during discussions with members of Bangladesh’s Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who visited Rohingya refugee camps in Ukhiya on Thursday, October 15.
The delegation, led by committee chair Jahrat Adib Chowdhury, visited humanitarian facilities and met Rohingya community representatives, including women and young people.
According to information shared with Rohingya Khobor, more than 50 Rohingya representatives participated in the discussions, including members of the United Council of Rohingya (UCR).
UCR representative Khin Maung called for a clear government policy and practical roadmap for Rohingya repatriation.
“We want to return to our motherland. We Rohingya seek a roadmap and a national policy for Rohingya repatriation. We hope Bangladesh will work seriously for it,” he said.
The representatives stressed that any return must be safe, voluntary and dignified, with meaningful protection for Rohingya rights.
Women and Girls Call for Education Opportunities
Sabekun Naher, a Rohingya woman human rights defender, highlighted the difficulties women and girls face in continuing their education in the refugee camps.
She said opportunities for higher education, professional training and recognised qualifications remain limited, while financial difficulties and safety concerns create additional barriers.
“Nothing about Rohingya women and girls should be decided without giving them a meaningful opportunity to participate,” she said.
Sabekun also raised concerns about access to technology, reliable internet and suitable learning spaces.
She said many Rohingya girls aspire to become teachers, healthcare workers, researchers and community leaders but lack opportunities to pursue those ambitions.
“The problem is not that Rohingya girls lack dreams. The problem is that too many barriers stand between those dreams and reality,” she said.
She called for greater participation by Rohingya women in decisions affecting their education, protection and future.
Call for Recognition of School Certificates
Rohingya representatives also urged Bangladesh authorities to address the lack of recognition for certificates issued by community-based high schools.
They said students who complete Grade 12 need pathways to recognised higher education institutions.
According to the account provided to Rohingya Khobor, Cox’s Bazar-4 lawmaker Shahjahan Chowdhury said he would contact Myanmar’s ambassador to discuss the recognition of certificates issued by community-based schools.
No formal agreement or policy decision on certificate recognition was reported during the meeting.
The discussions also covered protection concerns, access to essential services and continued humanitarian assistance for refugees.
The parliamentary delegation’s visit included the Rohang Heritage Centre in Camp 6, the Turkish field hospital in Camp 9 and a World Food Programme food distribution centre in Camp 4, according to Bangladeshi media reports.
The meeting provided Rohingya women and youth representatives an opportunity to present their concerns directly to Bangladeshi lawmakers, although no specific implementation timetable for their requests was announced.
