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SK Md Moniruzzaman , director general (Additional Secretary), NGO Affairs Bureau, Prime Minister’s Office
We have established earning opportunities for the Rohingyas in Bhasan Char, such as farming. However, we need to create even more opportunities for them. The government plans to relocate more Rohingyas to Bhasan Char to ease the overcrowding in the Cox’s Bazar area.
Despite limited resources, our representatives continually assess the needs of the Rohingyas and prioritize support accordingly to ensure that relief efforts are not wasted. It is important to carefully consider the potential impact and sustainability of any new projects for the Rohingyas.
Gwyn Lewis , UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh
The ultimate solution to the Rohingya crisis lies with the government of Myanmar. The political efforts of the UN to create a conducive environment for addressing the political issues at hand continues to be of utmost importance. The Security Council and General Assembly have increased their engagement in this issue since 2017, but action continues to be needed.
The repatriation of the Rohingyas to Myanmar must be voluntary, safe, and sustainable. The Rohingyas have faced persecution for decades, and when they do return home, they will need a safe place to live and necessary services must be in place. In the meantime, education and skill development is essential for the Rohingya community to have the knowledge and experience to be self-reliant when they return home.
The international community’s support to the response has been critical in ensuring that Bangladesh does not bear the burden of supporting the Rohingyas alone. This support needs to continue, but to be effective and efficient in addressing this crisis, we also need to think long-term. Together we should consider how we can continue to provide essential services such as health and education. It will be important to engage with international financial institutions or different donors to secure long-term funding and multi-year programming.
Providing the Rohingya with livelihood opportunities is also another avenue to be explored that will also mean less reliance on assistance. Giving people choices and allowing them to able to support themselves will mean the response is more sustainable until the Rohingya are able to return safely and with dignity to their homes.
Shabbir Ahmad Chowdhury , secretary (West), Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Over the past five years, we have exhausted our diplomatic efforts to address this crisis. We have engaged bilaterally with many countries around the world, but the only viable solution is the safe and voluntary repatriation of the Rohingya to Myanmar. While the problem was created by Myanmar, we have unfortunately been paying the price for it. The solution must be found by the Myanmar government.
Alternative measures such as developing the skills of the Rohingya with the goal of increasing their employment in Bangladesh may lead to increased unemployment or underemployment of Bangladeshi citizens, causing tension and competition among the host community. These approaches should not be pursued as they do not align with the development aspirations and Sustainable Development Goals of Bangladesh and its population.
Bangladesh is heavily impacted by climate change, with a growing rate of internal displacement due to rising seawater levels and other natural disasters. The influx of 600,000 Rohingya in 2017 has changed the demographic pattern in the Cox’s Bazar area, as the Rohingya population now outnumbers the host community. There are still 600,000 Rohingya living in the Rakhine state of Myanmar. It is important not to suggest any approaches that could serve as a pull factor for the remaining Rohingya to try to enter Bangladesh.
KAM Morshed , senior director, BRAC
I am not summarising but repeating some of the most common messages we heard all day. The crisis started in Myanmar, and the ultimate solution lies in the sustainable and dignified repatriation to Myanmar. Meanwhile, we must minimize Bangladesh’s economic and security burden and remain committed to compensating the host community’s “loss and damage”.
First, we must improve the effectiveness, accountability and economy of the current response requiring more than $3,000/Rohingya Household. Adopting an integrated delivery model, perfected by BRAC and other local NGOs, and increased use of local experts can help.
Second, we must create conditions so FDMNs can earn part of their keep. Meaningful engagement of Rohingya youths in skills development and income-generating activities would reduce the need for external support and deter frustrated youth from going astray.
Studies presented today raised more questions than they answered—which was the intention. I hope these studies will form the foundation for future debates and policy responses.