Kobir seeks mounting global pressure on Myanmar for Rohingyas’ return

Newly appointed State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir today (22 August) urged the international community not to let the Rohingya crisis become a “forgotten crisis” and to exert meaningful pressure on Myanmar for the sustainable and dignified repatriation of displaced Rohingyas.

He made the remarks at “Confluence 2026: A Convening of Partnership, Appreciation and Commitment”, organised by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) at a city hotel to mark the ninth anniversary of the mass displacement.

Kobir urged the international community to share Bangladesh’s burden by expanding third-country resettlement and pursuing other durable solutions.

“We are not merely seeking to manage the crisis through humanitarian assistance; we remain firmly committed to pursuing a sustainable and lasting solution to the Rohingya issue,” he said.

IRC Deputy Regional Director for Asia Hasina Rahman warned that declining funds and waning global attention required a rethink of the response.

“Nine years in, business as usual will not carry us into year ten, or year fifteen. With funds shrinking and global attention drifting elsewhere from this crisis, we must plan together, prioritise protection and the most vulnerable,” she said.

Two panel discussions brought together government, donor, humanitarian, Rohingya and host-community representatives, and academics to discuss the future of the response.

The discussions stressed sustained international support, stronger protection and continued access to essential services, while calling for a long-term, integrated approach centred on the rights, dignity and aspirations of both Rohingyas and host communities.