Dhaka: The Rohingya crisis is on the verge of marking its 10th year without any official repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar, as Bangladesh continues to emphasize that the only sustainable resolution lies in their safe, dignified, and voluntary return to Rakhine.

According to United News of Bangladesh, the crisis, which began in August 2017 when Myanmar security forces initiated a campaign of violence against Rohingyas in northern Rakhine State, has forced over 700,000 people to flee to Bangladesh. Currently, Bangladesh hosts more than 1.3 million Rohingyas, predominantly in Cox’s Bazar, with some relocated to Bhasan Char.

Bangladesh has consistently highlighted that resolving the prolonged Rohingya crisis is both a political and moral obligation for the international community, warning against leaving the country to bear the burden alone. Dhaka has urged Myanmar to speed up the verification of displaced Rohingyas as per bilateral agreements, considering children born in refugee camps and those displaced after 2017.

Recently, Myanmar’s military-backed government stated that over 300,000 Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh are former residents of Rakhine State and would be accepted back once security conditions improve. Bangladesh expressed concerns over this statement, particularly regarding the reference to Rohingyas as ‘Bengalis,’ asserting their distinct ethnic identity, which Myanmar recognized until recent years.

Bangladesh has also noted inaccuracies in Myanmar’s Foreign Ministry’s statement regarding the displaced Rohingya population. Urging global responsibility, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam emphasized that Bangladesh’s humanitarian efforts should not lead to international complacency. She asserted that while Bangladesh can offer shelter and assistance, it cannot resolve the crisis it did not create.