Diplomatic Desk:
Experts have called on the international community to play a more coordinated and effective role to ensure a sustainable future for Rohingya refugees. The call was made at the ‘Confluence 2026: A Convening of Partnership, Appreciation and Commitment’ event organized by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) at Hotel Sheraton in the capital on Saturday (August 22, 2026).
The event was organized to mark the ninth anniversary of the arrival of Rohingyas in Bangladesh from Myanmar and to discuss the future challenges of the refugee crisis.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir was present as the chief guest at the event. He said, “The international community must work together to create meaningful pressure on Myanmar to ensure the sustainable and dignified return of the Rohingya to their country. The international community must also help Bangladesh shoulder the burden of this protracted crisis by expanding resettlement in third countries and other long-term solutions for the Rohingya. The Rohingya crisis must not be allowed to become a forgotten crisis.”
He added, “The government, led by the Prime Minister, has made the resolution of the Rohingya crisis one of the highest priorities of our foreign policy. We do not want to manage this crisis merely through humanitarian assistance; rather, we are firmly committed to achieving a sustainable and lasting solution to the Rohingya crisis.”
“Nine years have passed since this humanitarian crisis began. We cannot deal with this crisis in the years ahead in business as usual,” said Hasina Rahman, Deputy Regional Director for Asia at the International Rescue Committee. “Humanitarian funding is dwindling and the world’s attention is shifting away from this crisis. We must plan together. We must prioritize durable solutions to this crisis and the protection of the most vulnerable.”
Rohingya human rights activist Ms. Lucky Karim said, “Before any repatriation process can begin, the international community must work to establish peace, security and stability in Rakhine, Myanmar. Until an environment conducive to the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of the Rohingya is created, quality education and sustainable livelihood opportunities must be ensured for the Rohingya living in Bangladesh’s refugee camps, so that their dependence on humanitarian assistance is reduced.”
The event featured two panel discussions. Representatives from the government, donors, humanitarian agencies and academics discussed the future of the Rohingya crisis. They emphasized the need for long-term and integrated initiatives that focus on the rights and aspirations of Rohingya refugees and local communities. They also called on donor countries and organizations to continue their long-term support for this response.
The event was attended by the Director General (Secretary) of the Bureau of NGO Affairs, Dr. Mohammad Zakaria, the Refugee, Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC), Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, the Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh, Farah Kabir, the Divisional Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan, World Bank, Jean Pesme, the Australian High Commission in Bangladesh, Hamah Hossain, and the Acting Country Director of IRC Bangladesh, Mohammad Rias, among others.
The event was moderated by Sabira Sultana Nupur, Regional Advocacy Specialist, IRC.
Senior officials of the Bangladesh government, representatives of diplomatic missions, various UN agencies, domestic and international NGOs, academics, and representatives of Rohingya organizations participated in the event.
