Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman informed Parliament on Tuesday that a total of 1,189,213 Rohingyas displaced from Myanmar are currently sheltered in Bangladesh.
Citing a UNHCR report from April 13, 2026, the Minister provided the figure while responding to a starred question from treasury bench member Emran Ahmed Chowdhury.
The Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to a peaceful resolution, drawing parallels to successful past repatriations.
He highlighted the "visionary leadership of late president Ziaur Rahman" in returning 200,000 Rohingyas in 1978 and the "successful leadership of former prime minister Khaleda Zia" in sending back 236,000 refugees in 1992.
“In the same trend, diplomatic initiatives are underway under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to safely send the Rohingya people back to their home country at the earliest possible time on the basis of mutual understanding,” he added.
Dr. Khalilur Rahman further noted that the government has launched "multi-faceted diplomatic effort in the light of our election manifesto," engaging the international community to find a sustainable solution.
Beyond bilateral diplomacy, the Foreign Minister reaffirmed Bangladesh’s support for international judicial processes to ensure Myanmar’s accountability.
Referring to the genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), he stated, “The case has already reached an important stage—written and oral hearings have been completed and several countries have participated in it. The court's verdict is expected soon.”
He clarified that while Bangladesh is not a formal party to the case, it has provided significant financial and logistical assistance through the OIC.
Regarding the International Criminal Court (ICC), the Minister mentioned that an arrest warrant has been sought against Myanmar’s top leadership for crimes against humanity, including forced displacement.
“Bangladesh is fully cooperating with this investigation, including providing evidence,” he said. He also cited support for the UN-established Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar and a universal jurisdiction case in Argentina.
Concluding his remarks, the Foreign Minister reiterated that “the only sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis is to ensure their safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation to their home country, Myanmar.”
He maintained that Bangladesh’s steadfast position aims to fulfill humanitarian responsibilities while establishing international justice.
With Inputs from UNB
