Dhaka, Nov 16 (V7N)- Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain expressed grave concerns over the ongoing Rohingya crisis, stating that there remains "no light at the end of the tunnel" for its resolution. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Bay of Bengal Conversation in Dhaka, he warned of a potential threat not just to Bangladesh but to the region and beyond.

"There is no quick or easy solution to the Rohingya issue," Hossain said, adding that Bangladesh has become a "victim of circumstances" due to the competing interests of neighboring countries.

Major Neighbors Fall Short
Bangladesh is currently hosting over 1.3 million Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char, yet the expected level of support from key neighbors such as India and China has not materialized over the past eight years, according to Hossain.

He explained that China values its strategic ties with Myanmar for access to the Bay of Bengal, while India prioritizes its Kaladan project, which relies on maintaining good relations with Myanmar. These geopolitical interests, Hossain noted, overshadow Bangladesh's concerns, leaving the Rohingya crisis unresolved.

Rising Threat of Rohingya Youth
Hossain highlighted the growing challenges posed by the young Rohingya population, who lack prospects for the future. "At some point, they will become a serious problem, not only for Bangladesh but also for neighboring countries and beyond," he warned.

Geopolitical Stakes in the Bay of Bengal
He pointed out that the Bay of Bengal, vital for Bangladesh due to its resources and global connectivity, is a theater of dominance for major powers like the United States, India, and China. These dynamics further complicate efforts to resolve the Rohingya crisis.

Bay of Bengal Conversation 2024
The Bay of Bengal Conversation, organized by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS), has brought together over 200 speakers, 300 delegates, and 800 participants from more than 80 countries under the theme “A Fractured World.”

Chair of CGS Munira Khan and Executive Director Zillur Rahman also spoke at the event, which they described as the largest ever hosted by CGS. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus delivered the inaugural address.

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