Myanmar recognises 2.83 lakh Rohingyas, repatriation timeline uncertain: Khalilur

Myanmar has formally recognised 2 lakh 83 thousand Rohingyas sheltering in Bangladesh as "persons who previously resided in Myanmar", Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman told parliament today (17 June), but said no timeline can be set for the start of repatriation.

Replying to a written question from Chattogram-15 lawmaker Shahjahan Chowdhury, the minister said Bangladesh has submitted information on 829,036 Rohingyas to Myanmar in six phases. Of the 393,503 individuals verified so far, 283,086 have been recognised by Myanmar as former residents.

According to the latest UNHCR data, Bangladesh currently hosts 1,189,213 forcibly displaced Rohingyas.

Shahjahan sought updates on repatriation efforts, progress in talks with Myanmar and the international community, and measures to address security and humanitarian challenges in the camps.

In response, Khalilur said repatriation remains a complex issue dependent on the security situation in Myanmar's Rakhine State, international pressure and the willingness of Myanmar authorities. Given the ongoing conflict in Rakhine, refugees cannot be returned to unsafe conditions, he said.

Bangladesh is working to facilitate dialogue between Myanmar authorities and the Arakan Army to help create conditions for return, while keeping preparations ready for safe, voluntary and sustainable repatriation once circumstances permit.

The minister said humanitarian assistance for the Rohingyas is being coordinated through the Joint Response Plan (JRP) involving the United Nations and other partners. Of the $964.5 million sought under the 2025 JRP, $624 million has been received. To address funding shortages, the UN and Bangladesh have launched the JRP Update 2026, seeking $710.5 million, of which $291 million has already been secured.

Highlighting diplomatic efforts, Khalilur said a resolution on the Rohingya crisis was unanimously adopted by the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly. 

Jointly sponsored by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the European Union, the resolution was co-sponsored by 105 countries and called for stronger international efforts to ensure the safe, voluntary and dignified return of Rohingyas to Myanmar.

He said Bangladesh continues to support The Gambia's case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice to ensure justice and accountability for the causes of the crisis.

The minister also said Bangladesh, in coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the International Rescue Committee (IRC), has facilitated third-country resettlement for 5,712 Rohingyas through the IOM and 697 through the IRC. 

Between February and April this year, 191 Rohingyas were resettled in Canada, the United Kingdom and New Zealand through the IOM, while 145 were resettled in Australia through the IRC.

However, he stressed that third-country resettlement is not a permanent solution and that the safe and sustainable return of Rohingyas to Rakhine remains the only lasting answer.

On camp security, Khalilur said a special task force has been conducting joint operations to curb drug and arms trafficking in Cox's Bazar camps. He added that new operating procedures have strengthened camp security and accountability. 

According to national intelligence data, murders in the camps fell from 66 in 2023 to 49 in 2024 and 35 in 2025. In the first three months of 2026, the number stood at six.