PM Says Rohingya Crisis Can Be Solved Only in Myanmar
At a Tokyo summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said a lasting solution to the Rohingya crisis lies in Myanmar, with refugees returning voluntarily, safely and with dignity.
Reading
In a Nutshell
- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman made the remarks during bilateral talks with Takaichi at the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office on October 27.
- He called for an end to violence in Myanmar, unhindered humanitarian aid and dialogue among the parties involved.
- He urged Japan to remain engaged with all sides to help establish peace and stability in Rakhine State.
- He thanked Japan for supporting Bangladesh’s humanitarian response to Rohingya refugees.
- UNHCR counted 1,206,528 Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh as of September 30, 2026.
Context
Nearly a decade after Rohingya in Bangladesh fled Myanmar’s Rakhine State after the military crackdown in 2017, more than 1.2 million remain in Bangladesh, mainly in crowded camps in Cox’s Bazar and on Bhasan Char.
The crisis just becomes harder to resolve as violence continues in Myanmar. During an October visit to Bangladesh, the head of the UN’s Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar said ongoing attacks on civilians in Rakhine prevent Rohingya from returning safely. PM Tarique’s call for voluntary, safe and dignified return shows Bangladesh’s stand on the fact that repatriation depends on conditions in Myanmar.
Why It Matters
Bangladesh continues to host more than 1.2 million refugees while humanitarian needs remain high and international aid is under pressure. Bangladesh can call for repatriation, but it cannot alone create the conditions that make returning home safe. That depends on what happens in Myanmar. Waiting for a political solution does not make their daily needs any less urgent.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh-Japan joint statement recognises the need to sustain assistance in Bangladesh and engage with parties in Myanmar, including the Rohingya themselves. However, it is yet to be seen whether those commitments lead to safer conditions in Rakhine and continued help for refugees while safe return remains out of reach.
What We Think
Bangladesh may keep asking for repatriation, but it cannot resolve a crisis rooted across its border. It is unfair to leave Bangladesh carrying the responsibility while international partners offer support without securing progress. Japan’s engagement is welcome, but Bangladesh may need more than assurances like sustained funding and diplomatic efforts that help make safe return possible.