STAFF CORRESPONDENT

Bangladesh has proposed a seven-point plan for a lasting solution to the Rohingya crisis, urging the international community to adopt a clear roadmap for repatriation and intensify pressure on Myanmar.

Speaking at a high-level UN conference on the plight of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus said initiatives to end the crisis are lacking.

“The Rohingya crisis originated in Myanmar. Its solution lies there,” he said, stressing that the international community must put “effective pressure” on Myanmar and the Arakan Army to immediately stop persecuting the Rohingyas and begin their expeditious repatriation.

“It’s the only solution to the crisis, which should not be held hostage to broader reforms in Myanmar.”

The day-long event was attended by representatives of 66 countries and organisations, including heads of state and government. Turkey represented the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, while Kuwait spoke for the Gulf Cooperation Council.

According to the UN, the meeting aimed to mobilise political support, address root causes such as rights violations, and share perspectives from the ground -- including the struggles of minorities in Myanmar and wider humanitarian concerns in the region. Another goal was to propose a plan for the voluntary, safe and dignified return of Rohingyas and other displaced groups.

This first-ever high-level UN event comes as global attention shifts elsewhere, while Bangladesh shoulders the burden of about 1.2 million refugees.

Since early 2024 alone, around 1,50,000 more Rohingyas have fled intense fighting in Rakhine. The repatriation process has stalled as the Rohingya, though willing to return, say there is no guarantee of citizenship and safety.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk described a grim picture of minorities in Rakhine, saying the conference must send a clear signal that their plight is at the top of the global agenda.

“It needs to be a turning point for the Rohingya -- for the international community to take action and devise a lasting solution.”

Since November 2023, fighting has escalated with the Rohingya targeted from all sides. The Myanmar junta has committed grave rights abuses, while the Arakan Army has reportedly killed, abducted, tortured, arbitrarily detained, and forcibly recruited Rohingyas.

Türk outlined five urgent priorities: ending the violence, constructive dialogue, reconciliation, respect for human rights, unhindered humanitarian relief and lifting restrictions.

Funding for Rohingya needs in Bangladesh has plunged. Donors have met only 38 percent of the $934 million required this year, affecting healthcare, food, nutrition, protection and education.

The World Food Programme’s Country Director Dom Scalpelli warned that unless at least $60 million is secured in the next six months and $167 million over the next 12, food assistance will face major disruptions starting December 2025.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi urged countries with influence in the region to intensify engagement. “This must include communication with all parties to the conflict in Rakhine -- not only the de facto authorities but also the Arakan Army.”

He warned that host states cannot shoulder the burden alone. “The humanitarian response in Bangladesh remains chronically underfunded, including in key areas like food and cooking fuel. The prospects for

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