The Rohingya crisis remains one of the most complex humanitarian and political challenges in South and Southeast Asia. More than six years after the mass displacement of Rohingyas from Myanmar’s Rakhine State, over 1.3 million refugees remain in Bangladesh, mostly in Cox’s Bazar and Bhashanchar. While Bangladesh has shown remarkable generosity, the crisis has reached a critical point. Host communities are under pressure, international funding is shrinking, and despair is deepening among the refugees. Without a comprehensive and rights-based solution, the risks are becoming permanent, threatening regional stability.
Against this backdrop, Neeti Gobeshona Kendra (NGK) recently organized two important consultations-a local-level dialogue in Chittagong on 13 September and a National Strategic Dialogue in Dhaka on 17 September 2025. These gatherings brought together Rohingya representatives, civil society actors, political leaders, and international stakeholders to amplify Rohingya voices and outline a collective vision for sustainable repatriation. The outcome, the Dhaka Declaration on Rohingya Aspirations, serves as both a roadmap and a call to action. It moves beyond humanitarian relief to address the root causes of the crisis, emphasizing durable solutions grounded in justice, security, and human dignity. The main objective of this strategy paper is to present the voices of the Rohingyas on behalf of Bangladesh’s civil society at the conference on the Rohingya issue to be held during the United Nations General Assembly on September 30, 2025.
For years, international efforts have focused on keeping the refugees alive through food, shelter, and medical aid. While essential, this approach has left the Rohingya trapped in dependency. Camps are overcrowded, unsafe, and lack adequate education or livelihood opportunities. Women and children are particularly vulnerable to exploitation, trafficking, and gender-based violence.
The Dhaka Declaration calls for a paradigm shift from survival to empowerment. Humanitarian aid must integrate vocational training, education aligned with Myanmar’s curricula, and opportunities for limited, regulated livelihoods. Involving Rohingya youth in camp governance can build skills and reduce radicalization, while specialized hospitals and mental health programs are urgently needed. By promoting self-reliance and social cohesion, these measures will prepare refugees for eventual reintegration and reduce tensions with host communities.
The crisis cannot be resolved inside Bangladesh alone. Its origins lie in decades of persecution and statelessness in Rakhine State, Myanmar. Without deep structural reforms there, repatriation will not be sustainable.
The Declaration insists that Rohingyas must be recognized as an indigenous ethnic group with full citizenship rights, including freedom of movement, access to livelihoods, healthcare, education, and political participation. Reconciliation between Rohingyas, ethnic Rakhines, and other communities is essential to prevent renewed violence.
Neutral international monitoring is a key demand. Given the rising power of the Arakan Army/United League of Arakan (ULA), repatriation negotiations must engage both Myanmar’s central authorities and local actors. Regional powers like China and India, with strong strategic interests in Rakhine, must use their influence to support reforms rather than protect Myanmar from accountability.
Security is a cross-cutting concern in both the refugee camps and Rakhine State. In the camps, crime, human trafficking, and radicalization are rising threats. Across the border, ongoing armed conflicts between the Myanmar military and ethnic groups create fear and instability.
The Declaration calls for regional cooperation to combat transboundary crimes and stabilize conflict-prone areas. Bangladesh should expand intelligence sharing with neighbors and establish community-based policing systems involving trained Rohingya volunteers under government supervision. In Rakhine, international efforts must focus on conflict resolution and inclusive governance to create a safe environment for returnees.
All stakeholders agree that voluntary, safe, and dignified repatriation is the only durable solution. Past attempts failed due to lack of trust and absence of guarantees.
The Declaration outlines clear preconditions: 1. Citizenship recognition and legal reforms in Myanmar. 2. Property restitution and compensation for past losses. 3. International monitoring to ensure protection and freedom of movement. 4. Women and youth participation in decision-making.
A phased roadmap is essential. Initial pilot repatriations, closely monitored by international observers, could build confidence and demonstrate Myanmar’s sincerity. Humanitarian and livelihood support must continue during the transition to ensure stability for returnees.
A key barrier to progress is the fragmented state of Rohingya leadership. Competing factions weaken advocacy and reduce negotiation capacity.
The Declaration urges the development of unified, representative leadership through dialogue, capacity-building, and structured engagement with diaspora organizations. Women, youth, and genocide survivors must be central to this process. A cohesive leadership can better articulate community priorities and negotiate effectively with Bangladesh, Myanmar, and international stakeholders.
Global attention to the Rohingya crisis has declined, and donor fatigue is growing. Without robust international engagement, the prospects for repatriation are slim.
The Declaration calls on international actors to move beyond rhetoric and aid: 1.China and India must leverage their influence to push for reforms in Myanmar. 2. OIC member states should provide financial and diplomatic support to bridge funding gaps. 3. The United Nations must coordinate a strong monitoring mechanism for repatriation and protection. 4. Ongoing cases at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and International Criminal Court (ICC) need full support to ensure justice for atrocities committed against the Rohingya. Without justice, reconciliation will remain fragile, and the cycle of persecution may continue.
Sustained media attention is vital to keep the crisis visible. The world’s focus has shifted elsewhere, allowing Myanmar to delay meaningful reforms. Unbiased reporting can highlight ongoing abuses and amplify Rohingya voices. Digital platforms and diaspora networks should be harnessed to mobilize global solidarity and counter misinformation.
The Dhaka Declaration is more than a policy document-it is a strategic blueprint for resolving a protracted humanitarian disaster. Its integrated approach addresses humanitarian needs, root causes, security, repatriation, leadership, international engagement, and justice.
Yet, its success depends on implementation. Bangladesh cannot shoulder this burden alone. Myanmar must confront the injustices at the heart of the crisis, while regional and global powers must provide sustained diplomatic and financial backing.
Most importantly, the Rohingyas themselves must remain at the center of the process. Durable solutions cannot be imposed from above; they must reflect the aspirations and rights of those directly affected.
As the international community prepares for the upcoming United Nations General Assembly, the Dhaka Declaration should serve as both a warning and a guide. The choice is stark: act decisively to restore dignity and justice to the Rohingya people, or risk condemning yet another generation to statelessness and despair.
The time for sympathy has passed. What is needed now is coordinated, courageous action to turn the vision articulated in Dhaka into a reality on the ground.
The writer is a research fellow at Neeti Gobeshona Kendro (Policy Research Center)
