Cox's Bazar, Aug 25 (V7N) – Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has called for urgent international initiatives to protect the Rohingya from ethnic cleansing and outlined a 7-point proposal for their safe and dignified repatriation.

Dr. Yunus made the remarks during the main session of the three-day stakeholder dialogue on the Rohingya crisis, which began on Sunday at the Bay Watch Hotel in Cox's Bazar.

He emphasized that in 2017 and even before, Bangladesh opened its borders on humanitarian grounds to save the lives of Rohingya refugees, despite limited resources. “It is a moral responsibility to prevent armed actors from executing ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya,” he said.

Dr. Yunus urged the Myanmar government and the Arakan Army to ensure no more Rohingya flee to Bangladesh, contribute to their safe return, and implement justice and accountability measures. He stressed that while the problem originated in Myanmar, the solution also lies there.

He also commented on the national situation, noting that Bangladesh is now stable and ready for elections, which are expected to take place in the first half of February.

The three-day conference, titled ‘Take Away to the High-Level Conference on the Rohingya Situation’, is jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the High Representative for Rohingya Issues. Representatives from 40 countries, including United Nations officials and other international partners, are participating.

During the first day, Rohingya representatives engaged directly with foreign partners to discuss pathways for repatriation. On the final day, Tuesday (August 26), foreign delegates will visit Rohingya camps. Key topics of discussion include international funding, genocide trials, food aid, and morale building for the Rohingya community.

Bangladesh plans to present the outcomes and proposals from the conference at the United Nations on September 30.

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