Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, has recently spotlighted the challenging situation regarding the country’s growing Rohingya refugee population, urging the international community to engage actively in creating a comprehensive roadmap for the safe and voluntary repatriation of the 1.5 million Rohingya individuals currently residing within its borders. This plea was made during a conference in Cox’s Bazar, coinciding with the eighth anniversary of the mass exodus of this mainly Muslim group from Myanmar’s Rakhine State.

At the conference, Yunus unveiled a seven-point plan designed to facilitate the refugees’ return, emphasizing the necessity for their right to return to their homeland to be ensured. He called upon all stakeholders to cooperate in formulating a practical action plan aimed at achieving a dignified, safe, and sustainable return process for the Rohingya. Highlighting the urgent need for collective action, Yunus expressed his concern over the decline in international funding for critical aid programs, underscoring that heightened support is essential for maintaining life-sustaining assistance for the refugees.

The proposals outlined by Yunus advocate for an immediate cessation of violence in Myanmar and the establishment of dialogue platforms intended to alleviate ethnic tensions. He urged for a more robust involvement from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other regional powers to help restore stability in the affected areas.

Yunus also addressed the imperative of holding those responsible for atrocities accountable, insisting that international bodies like the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC) should propel justice efforts forward. He noted that the plight of the Rohingya is central to any resolution aimed at ensuring their safe repatriation.

Since the onset of the military crackdown in August 2017, nearly 800,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh, an influx that has significantly impacted the nation’s resources and socio-economic structure. Yunus expressed gratitude to the host communities in Bangladesh for their compassion and sacrifices during this difficult period.

In light of the ongoing violence in Myanmar, discussions around repatriation remain complex. Thousands of Rohingya marked Genocide Remembrance Day by taking to the streets to demand justice and a safe return to their homeland. However, the instability within Myanmar complicates any potential repatriation efforts.

The urgent need for accountability remains a focal point of the humanitarian discourse. Human rights organizations are calling on the international community to intensify efforts to ensure justice for the Rohingya, who have endured significant hardships. As Bangladesh continues to receive new arrivals from Myanmar, the need for sustainable solutions and international cooperation is more critical than ever.

The upcoming United Nations conference in New York on September 30 aims to address these pressing issues, although the prospects for the safe and swift return of the Rohingya remain uncertain amid ongoing conflict and dwindling global support. As humanitarian crises mount, the international community is reminded of its obligation to foster peace and stability in the region.

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