Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami proposes independent Arakan State for Rohingya

Jamaat leaders urge China to support Rohingya resettlement and expand investment in Bangladesh during talks with the CCP delegation

DHAKA, Bangladesh (MNTV) — Bangladesh’s Jamaat-e-Islami party has proposed the creation of an independent Arakan State in Myanmar’s Rohingya-majority region, calling it a sustainable solution to the refugee crisis.

According to a report by The Business Standard, the proposal was raised during a meeting between Jamaat leaders and a delegation from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in Dhaka on Sunday.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Syed Abdullah Md Taher — a senior Jamaat leader holding the position of Nayeb-e-Ameer (deputy leader) — said that more than 1.2 million Rohingya refugees currently residing in Bangladesh continue to live under “inhumane” conditions.

 “We said that providing food and shelter is not a solution,” Taher stated, emphasizing that the displaced Rohingya must be resettled in “their own land” through the creation of an independent Arakan State.

Taher urged China to take a leading role in resolving the crisis, citing Beijing’s strong diplomatic and economic ties with Myanmar.

The discussions also covered regional security, with Jamaat representatives highlighting the importance of fostering peaceful relations among neighboring countries. Taher described the gathering as a “party-to-party” meeting intended to enhance Jamaat’s relationship with the CCP.

Beyond the Rohingya issue, Jamaat leaders called for increased Chinese investment in Bangladesh’s infrastructure, including proposals to fund the Teesta Barrage project, a second Padma Bridge, and a new deep-sea port aimed at boosting the country’s blue economy.

They also requested expanded scholarship opportunities for Bangladeshi students in Chinese universities.

Regarding Bangladesh’s political landscape, Taher said Chinese officials inquired about the timeline for upcoming elections but reiterated that Beijing would maintain its policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

The CCP delegation was led by Peng Jiubin of the Southeast and South Asian Affairs Bureau of the International Department of the Central Committee.

Jamaat’s delegation included senior members Rafiqul Islam Khan, Ehsanul Mahbub Zobayer, Matiur Rahman Akand, Muhammad Selim Uddin, and Nurul Islam Bulbul.