Government of Bangladesh and the international com

A Message of Gratitude and Clarification from the Rohingya Community

We, the Rohingya community, extend our deepest gratitude to the Government of Bangladesh and the international community for your unwavering support, compassion, and hospitality over the past years. Since the mass displacement of our people from Myanmar in 2017 due to brutal military crackdowns, Bangladesh has opened its borders and offered us shelter, protection, and a sense of humanity. We remain sincerely thankful for the humanitarian assistance, food, medical care, and international advocacy efforts made on our behalf.

Recently, we have taken note of an important development regarding the possible return of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar. According to official information shared during the 6th BIMSTEC Summit held in Bangkok, the Government of Myanmar has confirmed that, out of the approximately 800,000 Rohingya refugees currently sheltered in Bangladesh, 180,000 individuals have been identified as “eligible for return.” This confirmation was given to Dr. Khalilur Rahman, the High Representative of the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, by Myanmar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, U Than Shew.

While this move may appear to be a step toward resolving the crisis, we respectfully clarify that the announcement does not constitute a true or voluntary repatriation process. It is merely an initial agreement to take back a certain number of individuals without clearly addressing the key conditions that make repatriation meaningful and sustainable.

We firmly believe that genuine repatriation must include the following:

  1. Full Citizenship Rights – We must be restored as rightful citizens of Myanmar with full legal recognition and documentation.
  2. Safety and Security – There must be guaranteed protection from persecution, violence, and discrimination upon our return.
  3. Return to Ancestral Lands – Repatriation must include the right to return to our original homes and villages, not to camps or controlled settlements.
  4. Justice and Accountability – There must be steps toward justice for the crimes committed against us and efforts to hold those responsible accountable.
  5. International Monitoring – The process must be monitored by neutral international organizations to ensure fairness and transparency.

Furthermore, we note that Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the Prime Minister of Myanmar and head of the military, personally met with the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh during the Summit. While we acknowledge their engagement, we remain deeply concerned about the sincerity of the Myanmar authorities, especially since General Min Aung Hlaing himself has been responsible for policies and actions that led to our suffering.

In conclusion, we again thank the Government of Bangladesh for its continued support and the international community for standing with us. However, we kindly request that you do not accept any arrangement as “repatriation” unless it is safe, voluntary, and dignified — based on the principles of human rights and justice.

We, the Rohingya people, remain hopeful but cautious. Our longing is to return to our homeland as rightful citizens, not as stateless refugees or temporary guests.

With respect and gratitude,
Rohingya Nexus Society