Dhaka, Jan 29 (V7N) — Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus has said that the repatriation of more than one million Rohingya refugees to Myanmar’s Rakhine State is the only effective and sustainable solution to the ongoing Rohingya crisis. He also called for the continued and active role of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to ensure their safe, voluntary, and dignified return.

He made the remarks during a meeting with newly appointed UNHCR Country Representative Ivo Freizen at the State Guest House Jamuna on Wednesday night.

Professor Yunus said the Rohingya crisis originated in Myanmar, and therefore, “the solution must also come from Myanmar.” He expressed concern over the growing frustration among Rohingya youth in the refugee camps.
“A frustrated and angry young generation is growing up in the camps with access to technology. This is not good news for anyone,” he said, adding that the priority must be to ensure their peaceful and dignified repatriation.

The Chief Advisor also noted that the prolonged stay of Rohingya refugees in camps is not a solution and is gradually increasing tensions. He urged the international community to renew efforts and pressure to facilitate repatriation.

During the meeting, both sides discussed the issue of declining international funding for Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, as well as the situation in Bhasan Char. The country’s upcoming national elections were also part of the discussions.

Bangladesh continues to host over a million Rohingya refugees who fled violence in Myanmar, with the government repeatedly emphasizing repatriation as the long-term solution to the crisis.

END/SMA/AJ