Tarique Rahman Calls for Five Urgent Steps to Resolve Rohingya Crisis

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on the international community to take five urgent steps to achieve a sustainable solution to the protracted Rohingya crisis.

He made the call on Wednesday, September 23, while addressing a high-level side event on the Rohingya crisis at the United Nations headquarters in New York, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. Bangladesh and The Gambia jointly convened the event.

The prime minister said the crisis originated in Myanmar and that its solution must also be found there. Bangladesh has been hosting more than 1.2 million Rohingyas for years, while continued instability in Myanmar has complicated prospects for their return.

Five Urgent Measures Proposed by the Prime Minister
1. A clear roadmap for repatriation

Tarique Rahman called for a clear and credible roadmap for the early, safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar. He also urged international and regional actors to help create conditions inside Myanmar that would make such a return possible.

2. End violence and protect fundamental rights

The prime minister called for an end to violence against civilians, including Rohingyas, and for their fundamental rights and security to be guaranteed in their homeland. He said such conditions are necessary to rebuild confidence in the prospect of return.

3. Ensure sustained humanitarian assistance

He urged the international community to provide adequate and predictable humanitarian assistance not only to Rohingya refugees but also to host communities in Bangladesh.

Tarique Rahman also raised concerns about declining humanitarian funding. He said the 2025 appeal exceeded $934 million, while the 2026 appeal had fallen to around $710 million.

4. Strengthen justice and accountability

The prime minister described justice and accountability as essential elements of a sustainable solution. He called for continued international support for judicial and investigative mechanisms and said those responsible for grave crimes must be held accountable.

5. Intensify cooperation against cross-border crime

He also urged stronger regional and international cooperation to tackle drug trafficking, human trafficking, digital scams, illegal arms and other transboundary crimes linked to instability in the region.

Bangladesh Ready to Facilitate Return
Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh does not want Rohingyas to remain displaced indefinitely. If the necessary conditions are established in Myanmar, Bangladesh will be ready to facilitate their safe, voluntary and dignified return, according to his remarks at the UN event.

A day earlier, on September 22, the prime minister also discussed the Rohingya issue with UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih. During that meeting, he stressed that safe and dignified repatriation is essential for a lasting solution to the crisis.