From Crisis to Solutions: Experts convene to unravel Rohingya repatriation puzzle

Academics, security experts, senior diplomats, and humanitarian sector specialists today emphasised the urgent need for collaborative efforts to transcend geopolitical considerations for turning Rohingya repatriation issues into pathways to justice for the Rohingya people. 

"The world has been grappling with the complexities of this humanitarian crisis, and only fruitful dialogue involving Rohingya voices can serve as a beacon of hope for collaborative solutions to uphold justice, human rights, and the dignity of the Rohingya people," they observed during a policy colloquium titled "Rohingya Repatriation: Who Decides and Why?", held on August 24, 2023 at the Syndicate Hall of North South University (NSU).

Organised by the Center for Peace Studies (CPS) of NSU's South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance (SIPG), the colloquium marked the Rohingya Genocide Day 2023 and delved into the present landscape of Rohingya repatriation, fostering a comprehensive dialogue.

Moderated by Dr Tawfique M Haque, Chair of the Department of Political Science and Sociology (PSS) and Director of SIPG, the colloquium was graced by the presence of Special Guest Mr Johannes van der Klaauw, the UNHCR's Representative in Bangladesh. The panellists encompassed a diverse range of perspectives comprising Dr M Jashim Uddin, Associate Professor of the PSS Department at NSU; Brigadier Gen M. Sakhawat Hussain, Senior Fellow at SIPG; Mr Nurul Islam, a prominent Rohingya political leader; Ambassador Munshi Faiz Ahmad, Former Chairman of the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS); Mr Enrico Lorenzon, First Secretary, Team Leader-Inclusive Governance, EU Embassy; Ms Mackenzie Rowe, Regional Refugee Coordinator, US Embassy in Bangladesh.

The colloquium commenced with introductory remarks by Dr Abdul Wohab, Coordinator of CPS at NSU.

Mr Johannes van der Klaauw, UNHCR's Representative in Bangladesh shared insights on the current state of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and the challenges they face. Terming Rohingya people living in Bangladesh as "the largest stateless population". Mr. Johannes suggested that the International Community must support Bangladesh in all aspects to ensure the safe, dignified and sustainable return of the Rohingya people. 

Dr M Jashim Uddin, Associate Professor at North South University, offered scholarly perspectives on the historical, political, and humanitarian dimensions of the Rohingya crisis. Dr Jashim observed that repatriation of the Rohingya community is required, however, their voices must be heard before finalising this process. 

Professor Brig Gen M. Sakhawat Hussain, Senior Fellow at SIPG, provided insights into the security and geopolitical implications associated with the Rohingya refugee crisis. Noting that there is a geopolitical tussle among China, India and Myanmar, he observed that Bangladesh must play safely to solve the Rohingya crisis. 

Ambassador Munshi Faiz Ahmad, Former Chairman of BIISS, presented diplomatic considerations and international responses to the Rohingya crisis. International collaboration and diplomatic pressure are essential to hold accountable those responsible for the suffering of the Rohingya, he observed.

Moderator Professor Dr Haque observed that the participation of the Rohingya community is a must to ensure sustainable repatriation.

Representatives from the EU, and US Embassy in Bangladesh shared their respective organisations' roles and perspectives in addressing the Rohingya crisis and also emphasised on the urgency of collaborative solutions that prioritise justice and human rights for the Rohingya people.