International conference on Rohingya Crisis begins in Cox’s Bazar
An international conference aimed at finding sustainable solutions to the Rohingya crisis and advancing the repatriation process kicks off today (Saturday) in Cox’s Bazar.
The three-day dialogue, titled “Takeaway to the High-Level Conference on the Rohingya Situation”, is being jointly organized by the Office of the High Representative on Rohingya Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the Bay Watch Hotel auditorium in Inani, Ukhiya.
Chief Adviser of the interim government, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, will attend the event as chief guest.
More than 1.3 million Rohingyas fled to Bangladesh after escaping brutal persecution by Myanmar’s military junta in Rakhine State.
Over the years, their prolonged stay has fueled tensions in Ukhiya and Teknaf, with rising incidents of killings, abductions, extortion, sexual violence, and drug trafficking. Against this backdrop, stakeholders hope the Cox’s Bazar dialogue will pave the way for meaningful progress.
Mohammad Zubair, President of the Arakan Rohingya Society for Peace and Human Rights (ARSPH), welcomed the initiative:
“Knowing that this international conference is being held in Inani makes us hopeful. If delegates visit the camps, they will see the reality firsthand. Such initiatives can help accelerate repatriation.”
ARSPH member Nur Mohammad, however, expressed skepticism, claiming that Myanmar’s junta always devises new strategies to evade accountability, while describing the Arakan Army conflict as “a drama staged by the regime.”
Rohingya leader Mohammad Tayeb voiced expectations of early repatriation:
“We urge the international community to ensure our return to Myanmar without further delay.”
From inside the camps, frustration remains high. Fatema Begum, a resident of Kutupalong camp, said:
“We are tired of telling the stories of our suffering. Despite the world’s powerful nations, no one can pressure Myanmar’s junta or the Arakan Army. How long do we have to live in exile?”
The conference is being seen as a preparatory step ahead of a high-level meeting scheduled on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York on September 30.
Md. Mizanur Rahman, Commissioner of the Cox’s Bazar Refugee Relief and Repatriation Office, said, “From August 24 to 26, foreign delegates and our Chief Adviser will engage with at least 100 Rohingya men and women representing the camps. The aim is to hear directly from them about repatriation and to strengthen their morale. The dialogue will also focus on how best to support them.”
The event will feature government leaders, foreign diplomats, international organizations, academics, experts, and Rohingya representatives. Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to formally inaugurate the conference on August 25.
