Bangladesh Seeks Rohingya Inclusion in Arakan

Bangladesh has called for the inclusion of the Rohingya people in the new administrative framework being established in Myanmar’s Rakhine state. National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman expressed the country’s firm stance on preventing further Rohingya arrivals, stating that Bangladesh has communicated its position clearly to the Arakan Army.

Dr. Khalilur emphasized that Bangladesh is committed to ensuring no additional Rohingyas cross into Bangladesh, conveying this message to the Arakan Army. He also stressed that the Rohingyas should be integrated into every level of the new administrative setup in Arakan. “If they fail to do that, it will be evidence of ethnic cleansing, and we will not support such actions in any way,” he stated. He underlined that Bangladesh will not tolerate ethnic cleansing and that any failure to include the Rohingya in the new system would make future dialogue with the Arakan Army extremely difficult.

Regarding Myanmar’s position, Dr. Khalilur reiterated Bangladesh’s right to communicate with the Arakan Army, especially considering that the group controls parts of the border region. He added that Myanmar’s military had declared the Arakan Army a terrorist organization but has still engaged in ceasefire discussions with them. Bangladesh, for its part, will continue to pursue an independent foreign policy, managing peace and security along its borders.

On the issue of the newly arrived 118,000 Rohingyas, Dr. Khalilur acknowledged the United Nations’ request for shelter construction but emphasized the need to consider the environmental impact, as prior arrivals had caused significant deforestation in the area. Bangladesh, he said, would not make any decisions regarding shelter construction without thoroughly evaluating the environmental effects.

On humanitarian aid to Arakan, Dr. Khalilur made it clear that while parties may agree, Bangladesh would not automatically send assistance without addressing its concerns.

Source: Dhaka Tribune

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