Skip to main content

Ongoing ethnic, religious tension, violence 'hinder' Rohingya repatriation to Myanmar

By Dr Pranab Kumar Panday* 

In a recent article published in the South China Morning Post, attention is drawn to the escalating tensions and violence in Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh. While it is essential to shed light on the challenges faced by this vulnerable community, it is equally important to provide a balanced perspective that considers the broader context of this complex issue.
Indeed, the plight of the Rohingya is deeply concerning, and their experiences must not be downplayed. However, it is also crucial to acknowledge the commendable efforts of the Bangladeshi government and international humanitarian organizations in providing refuge and support to over a million displaced Rohingya.
These collective endeavours have resulted in tangible improvements in living conditions, access to education, healthcare, and vocational training for many refugees. Additionally, the potential repatriation of Rohingya to Myanmar, while a contentious issue, must be approached with careful consideration of the conditions necessary for a safe and voluntary return.
International cooperation and sustained diplomatic efforts remain paramount in achieving a sustainable resolution. By recognizing the progress made and the complexities surrounding this crisis, we can work towards a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by the Rohingya population.
The article paints a grim picture of a "second genocide" (though title was later changed) looming over the Rohingya community. However, it is crucial to recognize the efforts made by the Bangladesh government in providing shelter and assistance to over a million Rohingya refugees who fled persecution in Myanmar.
Bangladesh's willingness to offer refuge to the Rohingya is commendable and reflects the nation's commitment to humanitarian values. By opening its borders and providing essential services, Bangladesh has shouldered a significant responsibility, not just for its own citizens but for an entire displaced population. This act of compassion, while not without its challenges, highlights the country's dedication to upholding the principles of human dignity and rights.
It is a reminder that amidst adversity, there are nations willing to extend a helping hand to those in desperate need, setting a positive example for the international community. While the situation remains complex, it is important to acknowledge and support these efforts as we collectively work towards a more sustainable resolution for the Rohingya.
Moreover, while the article emphasizes violence within the camps, it overlooks the significant progress made in recent years. Humanitarian organizations, along with the Bangladesh government, have been working tirelessly to improve living conditions, provide education, healthcare, and vocational training for the Rohingya. 
This concerted effort has resulted in tangible improvements in the lives of many refugees
The possible repatriation of Rohingya to Myanmar is indeed a highly sensitive and complex issue, as discussed in the article. 
While the idea of repatriating these persecuted people to their homeland is noble and desirable, the ground realities in Rakhine State, Myanmar, present significant challenges. To ensure a safe and voluntary return, it is imperative to establish a stable and conducive environment for the Rohingya population.
Unfortunately, this condition remains unmet, primarily due to the ongoing ethnic and religious tensions, violence, and displacement that continue to plague the region. The Myanmar government's willingness and ability to address these issues, provide security, and ensure the protection of the Rohingya community are central to any successful repatriation efforts.
Until these fundamental conditions are met, the apprehension surrounding the repatriation of Rohingya to Myanmar is entirely justified, and international efforts must continue to address the root causes of the crisis and advocate for a durable solution that prioritizes the safety and well-being of the Rohingya population.
Rohingya crisis has regional and international repercussions that extend far beyond borders of Bangladesh and Myanmar
International cooperation is undeniably pivotal in resolving the Rohingya crisis. Given the complex nature of this humanitarian issue, the involvement of global organizations such as the United Nations is imperative. These organizations can serve as neutral mediators, bringing together the governments of Bangladesh and Myanmar to engage in meaningful dialogue.
Furthermore, they can offer essential resources, both financial and logistical, to aid in the repatriation process and the restoration of stability in Rakhine State. By pooling international expertise and resources, the global community can work towards a comprehensive and sustainable solution to the crisis, one that ensures the safe return of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar and addresses the underlying factors contributing to their displacement.
Such cooperation is not only ethically necessary but also in the interest of global stability, as the protracted Rohingya crisis has regional and international repercussions that extend far beyond the borders of Bangladesh and Myanmar.
While the challenges faced by the Rohingya are undeniably severe, it is essential to avoid sensationalism and maintain a balanced perspective. Bangladesh's efforts, along with the contributions of the international community, should be acknowledged and further encouraged. By working together, we can move closer to a sustainable solution that ensures the safety, dignity, and well-being of the Rohingya population.
It is imperative to address the dissemination of misinformation regarding the Rohingya situation in Bangladesh. Painting a broad stroke of oppression and escalating violence without a nuanced understanding of the complex circumstances only serves to perpetuate a skewed narrative.
While challenges do exist, it is crucial to avoid sensationalism and acknowledge the multifaceted efforts being made by the Bangladeshi government and the international community to support and protect the Rohingya refugees.
Failing to do so not only undermine these constructive endeavours but also hinder progress towards finding a sustainable resolution to the crisis. It is our collective responsibility to approach this issue with accuracy and empathy, ensuring that the reality is represented in a manner that reflects the complexities of the situation.
---
*Professor of Public Administration at the University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh

Comments

TRENDING

Grueling summer ahead: Cuttack’s alarming health trends and what they mean for Odisha

By Sudhansu R Das  The preparation to face the summer should begin early in Odisha. People in the state endure long, grueling summer months starting from mid-February and extending until the end of October. This prolonged heat adversely affects productivity, causes deaths and diseases, and impacts agriculture, tourism and the unorganized sector. The social, economic and cultural life of the state remains severely disrupted during the peak heat months.

Stronger India–Russia partnership highlights a missed energy breakthrough

By N.S. Venkataraman*  The recent visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to India was widely publicized across several countries and has attracted significant global attention. The warmth with which Mr. Putin was received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was particularly noted, prompting policy planners worldwide to examine the implications of this cordial relationship for the global economy and political climate. India–Russia relations have stood on a strong foundation for decades and have consistently withstood geopolitical shifts. This is in marked contrast to India’s ties with the United States, which have experienced fluctuations under different U.S. administrations.

Concerns raised over move to rename MGNREGA, critics call it politically motivated

By A Representative   Concerns have been raised over the Union government’s reported move to rename the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), with critics describing it as a politically motivated step rather than an administrative reform. They argue that the proposed change undermines the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and seeks to appropriate credit for a programme whose relevance has been repeatedly demonstrated, particularly during times of crisis.

From natural farming to fair prices: Young entrepreneurs show a new path

By Bharat Dogra   There have been frequent debates on agro-business companies not showing adequate concern for the livelihoods of small farmers. Farmers’ unions have often protested—generally with good reason—that while they do not receive fair returns despite high risks and hard work, corporate interests that merely process the crops produced by farmers earn disproportionately high profits. Hence, there is a growing demand for alternative models of agro-business development that demonstrate genuine commitment to protecting farmer livelihoods.

A comrade in culture and controversy: Yao Wenyuan’s revolutionary legacy

By Harsh Thakor*  This year marks two important anniversaries in Chinese revolutionary history—the 20th death anniversary of Yao Wenyuan, and the 50th anniversary of his seminal essay "On the Social Basis of the Lin Biao Anti-Party Clique". These milestones invite reflection on the man whose pen ignited the first sparks of the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution and whose sharp ideological interventions left an indelible imprint on the political and cultural landscape of socialist China.

Swami Vivekananda's views on caste and sexuality were 'painfully' regressive

By Bhaskar Sur* Swami Vivekananda now belongs more to the modern Hindu mythology than reality. It makes a daunting job to discover the real human being who knew unemployment, humiliation of losing a teaching job for 'incompetence', longed in vain for the bliss of a happy conjugal life only to suffer the consequent frustration.

Why India must urgently strengthen its policies for an ageing population

By Bharat Dogra   A quiet but far-reaching demographic transformation is reshaping much of the world. As life expectancy rises and birth rates fall, societies are witnessing a rapid increase in the proportion of older people. This shift has profound implications for public policy, and the need to strengthen frameworks for healthy and secure ageing has never been more urgent. India is among the countries where these pressures will intensify most sharply in the coming decades.

Thota Sitaramaiah: An internal pillar of an underground organisation

By Harsh Thakor*  Thota Sitaramaiah was regarded within his circles as an example of the many individuals whose work in various underground movements remained largely unknown to the wider public. While some leaders become visible through organisational roles or media attention, many others contribute quietly, without public recognition. Sitaramaiah was considered one such figure. He passed away on December 8, 2025, at the age of 65.

School job scam and the future of university degree holders in West Bengal

By Harasankar Adhikari  The school recruitment controversy in West Bengal has emerged as one of the most serious governance challenges in recent years, raising concerns about transparency, institutional accountability, and the broader impact on society. Allegations that school jobs were obtained through irregular means have led to prolonged legal scrutiny, involving both the Calcutta High Court and the Supreme Court of India. In one instance, a panel for high school teacher recruitment was ultimately cancelled after several years of service, following extended judicial proceedings and debate.