By Tanzim Anwar

DHAKA, Nov 21, 2024 (BSS) - Newly appointed High Representative for Rohingya Affairs Dr Khalilur Rahman criticized the lack of significant action on the ongoing Rohingya crisis saying no major initiative was taken by now to resolve the issue. 

"The crisis has dragged on for far too long, we have not taken substantial steps to address the issue, and as a result, the global focus has waned," he told BSS after assuming office on Wednesday. 

The new envoy emphasized that his top priority is to revitalize the issue both domestically and on the international stage.

Dr Rahman also stressed the need to restore momentum in the international discourse on the crisis, which he claimed has been sidelined in recent years.

He said that his immediate objective is to ensure that the Rohingya issue regains prominence both within Bangladesh and on international forums.

Shift in Regional Dynamics

While discussing the role of China in mediating between Bangladesh and Myanmar, Dr Rahman acknowledged the evolving political landscape in Myanmar's Rakhine State, where the situation has changed significantly. 

He noted the shifting power balance between the Myanmar government and the Arakan Army, which has altered the regional dynamics.

"There have been political changes in Rakhine ... the balance between the Myanmar government and the Arakan Army has shifted, and we must take this new reality into account as we move forward," he said. 

Dr Rahman underscored the need for caution, indicating that Dhaka would carefully assess the situation before making any hasty decisions. 

"We must work with all relevant stakeholders to formulate an approach," he added.

Balancing Humanitarian and Political Concerns

As Bangladesh continues to host over a million Rohingyas in Cox's Bazar since the 2017 military crackdown by Myanmar, Dr Rahman noted that while the humanitarian crisis is of paramount importance, global attention is divided due to ongoing conflicts elsewhere in the world.
"The crisis in Rakhine is not the only major issue in the world today," he pointed out. "There are wars happening in different parts of the globe, and we need to compete for international attention and support," he said.

Nevertheless, the new envoy reiterated the importance of keeping the humanitarian aspect of the crisis at the forefront with over a million displaced persons living in difficult conditions. 

Mentioning that the situation demands a careful, coordinated response he said Dhaka also needs the continued support of the Western bloc, as they are major contributors to humanitarian aid for the displaced people.

Rohingyas' Right to Return

Dr Rahman made it clear that Bangladesh's position remains unchanged regarding the repatriation of the Rohingyas to Myanmar. 

"The objective is clear: the Rohingyas are originally from Rakhine, they belong to Myanmar, and they must return to their homes. There is no alternative to this solution," he affirmed.

Since the exodus of Rohingyas began in August 2017, repatriation efforts have been unsuccessful due to a lack of trust and safety concerns among the refugees regarding their security in Myanmar. 

Despite Myanmar's agreement to accept them back, previous attempts at repatriation have failed twice.

China has played a significant role in mediating bilateral discussions between Bangladesh and Myanmar, while is also opposing UN resolutions and statements critical of Myanmar's actions. 

On the other hand, Western countries have been instrumental in providing humanitarian aid to the Rohingyas in Bangladesh, which has complicated Bangladesh's position, as it cannot afford to alienate its Western partners.

The Rohingya crisis remains one of the most pressing humanitarian issues in the region, with no clear resolution in sight. 

Dr Rahman's appointment comes at a time when diplomatic efforts and international pressure to resolve the crisis are gaining renewed focus.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday in New York, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution deciding to hold an all-stakeholder high-level UN Conference in 2025 to propose a time-bound plan for sustainable resolution of the Rohingya crisis
 
This high-level Conference is part of a call from the Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus during the high-level week of the 79th UNGA in September last. 

The conference aims to review the overall crisis in order to propose a comprehensive, innovative, concrete and time-bound plan for a sustainable resolution of the crisis, including voluntary, safe and dignified return of Rohingya Muslims to Myanmar.