The Rohingya Reality: Expectations, Demands, and the Path Ahead

A Consultative Workshop at Chittagong Press Club

By Mizan Rehman

Chittagong, September 13, The Chittagong Press Club hosted a significant consultative workshop titled “The Rohingya Reality: Expectations, Demands, and the Path Ahead”, organized by Netti Gobeshona Kendra. The event brought together senior Bangladeshi diplomats, researchers, human rights defenders, journalists, young Rohingya students, and representatives from refugee camps. The session was moderated by Dr. Mahbubul Haque, Trustee of Netti Gobeshona Kendra, who guided discussions on one of the region’s most pressing humanitarian crises.

Historical Roots and Present Complexities

In his opening remarks, Professor Sheikh Tawfiq of North South University traced the historical roots of the Rohingya crisis while outlining its current complexities. He reminded participants that the Rohingya issue must be recognized not only as a humanitarian concern but also as an essential matter of regional diplomacy and global human rights. According to him, durable solutions require empathy and aid, but also careful navigation of political, social, and international dimensions.

Participants stressed that any repatriation must be based on dignity and rights recognition. They urged the international community to halt ongoing atrocities in Myanmar and take stronger action. The insights from the workshop will be presented at the upcoming United Nations high-level meeting on Rohingya issues scheduled for September 30, reflecting a commitment to bridge local realities with global policymaking.

Unity as the Cornerstone of Repatriation

The keynote speaker, former Ambassador Mohammad Sufiyur Rahman, emphasized that internal unity is crucial for peaceful repatriation.

“The strong desire of this population to return to their homeland has not yet been fully expressed. Without internal unity, the path to peaceful repatriation remains effectively blocked,” he said.

He drew parallels with Palestinian and Syrian refugee experiences, noting that repatriation often involves conflict and prolonged struggle. For the Rohingya, he argued, success depends on internal cohesion, organized leadership, and sustained international support.

Objectives of the Workshop

Dr. Mahbubul Haque, Trustee of Netti Gobeshona Kendra, explained that the aim of the workshop was to consolidate Rohingya expectations and demands before the UN meeting.

“Through this seminar, we hope to present the aspirations of the Rohingya community on the international stage. We also aim to highlight the pathways through which they can safely and dignifiedly return to their homeland,” he noted.

He cautioned that the Rohingya voice has often remained confined to humanitarian coverage, without sufficient attention in diplomatic and justice-based discussions.

Women’s Empowerment and Education

Human rights activist Razia Sultana underscored that education, security, and social protection for women are non-negotiable in any repatriation plan. Without these, reintegration risks perpetuating cycles of vulnerability.

Echoing her, Umm Jamila, a Rohingya student at the Asian University for Women, stated:

“Genuine repatriation for the Rohingya must be based on dignity, security, and justice. Citizenship, equal rights, women empowerment, proper leadership, and reconciliation—without these, repatriation cannot be permanent.”

She stressed that women constitute a major force in the community but remain marginalized. Without proper institutions, safety measures, and access to jobs, girls and women remain at risk inside refugee camps.

Declining International Assistance

Several participants expressed alarm over the shrinking international aid for Rohingya refugees. Many organizations have either reduced their operations or exited the camps, worsening shortages in food, healthcare, and education.

One researcher remarked:

“Compared to other protracted refugee crises, international support for the Rohingya is declining at an alarming rate. Bangladesh is carrying an additional burden.”

Speakers emphasized that long-term solutions must go beyond aid dependency, focusing on self-reliance and persistent diplomacy.

Political Realities in Rakhine

Discussions also examined Myanmar’s political realities. Much of Rakhine State remains under Arakan Army control, while the junta has shown no flexibility on the Rohingya issue.

A Bangladeshi diplomat observed:

“Direct political dialogue with Myanmar is indispensable for repatriation. Yet any negotiation must consider Rakhine’s political realities, military influence, and ongoing conflicts.”

He cautioned that without stability and governance in Rakhine, repatriation will remain unrealistic.

Voices of Rohingya Youth

A young Rohingya representative urged for greater educational and political participation:

“If we are provided opportunities for higher education, access to universities, and political participation, we will be able to assume leadership roles in the future.”

He drew a parallel with Bangladesh’s liberation struggle, stressing that international solidarity can play a decisive role in Rohingya repatriation.

Elevating the Issue in Diplomacy

Journalists at the workshop expressed concern that the Rohingya crisis, despite frequent media coverage, has not gained the diplomatic prominence it deserves. They argued that framing it solely as a humanitarian issue is insufficient, urging for its recognition as a matter of regional security and international justice.

Concluding Observations

Nurul Islam, Chairman of the Arakan Rohingya National Alliance, summarized the workshop’s outcomes:

“The repatriation of the Rohingya is not merely a political process; it is a matter of human dignity. Only through sustained international diplomatic efforts and internal unity within the Rohingya community can this crisis be resolved.”

He reflected on past agreements that failed due to lack of implementation, but emphasized that with international commitment and Rohingya unity, meaningful progress remains possible.

Final Reflections

The workshop illuminated three central messages:

1. Internal unity is essential for successful repatriation.
2. Women’s empowerment and education must be prioritized.
3. The Rohingya issue requires stronger representation in international diplomacy.

Amid decades of persecution, deprivation, and uncertainty, the Rohingya people share one aspiration: to return safely to their homeland with dignity and justice. Achieving this requires proactive diplomacy by Bangladesh and unwavering commitment from the international community. Only by fostering unity, self-respect, and justice within Rohingya society can a meaningful resolution to this crisis be realized.