Myanmar recognizes 283,000 Rohingyas for potential return
Myanmar has verified more than 283,000 Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh as former residents, offering rare progress in stalled repatriation efforts
DHAKA, Bangladesh (MNTV) — Myanmar has formally recognized more than 283,000 Rohingya refugees living in Bangladesh as people who previously resided in Myanmar, marking one of the most significant developments in years of efforts to return members of the persecuted Muslim minority to their homeland.
The announcement was made in Bangladesh’s Parliament by Foreign Affairs Adviser Khalilur Rahman, who said Myanmar had identified the refugees as part of an ongoing verification process. According to Bangladeshi authorities, information on more than 829,000 Rohingyas has been submitted to Myanmar in six phases for review.
The recognition does not mean repatriation will begin immediately. Rahman cautioned that no timeline can yet be set for returns because conditions inside Myanmar remain unstable. He said the process depends on security developments in Rakhine State, international involvement and Myanmar’s willingness to facilitate safe returns.
According to the United Nations refugee agency, Bangladesh currently hosts nearly 1.2 million Rohingyas, most of them living in overcrowded camps in the southeastern Cox’s Bazar region. Bangladeshi officials have repeatedly argued that the country cannot shoulder the burden indefinitely and that voluntary repatriation remains the only long-term solution.
Of the 393,503 refugees whose details Myanmar has examined so far, 283,086 have been recognized as former residents of the country. Bangladeshi officials view the verification process as an important prerequisite for any future return program because Myanmar has historically disputed the citizenship status and identity of many Rohingyas.
Rahman said Bangladesh is also attempting to facilitate dialogue between Myanmar’s military authorities and the Arakan Army, a powerful Rakhine nationalist armed group that now controls large parts of Rakhine State. Ongoing fighting between the two sides has complicated international efforts to create conditions for refugee returns.
Bangladesh maintains that any repatriation must be safe, voluntary and sustainable. Officials say refugees cannot be sent back while armed conflict continues and basic security guarantees remain absent.
The adviser also highlighted growing international support for the Rohingya cause. He noted that a recent United Nations General Assembly committee adopted a resolution backed by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the European Union and more than 100 countries calling for stronger efforts to ensure the safe, voluntary and dignified return of Rohingyas to Myanmar.
Bangladesh continues to support the case brought by International Court of Justice against Myanmar over allegations of genocide against the Rohingya population. The case was initiated by The Gambia and remains one of the most prominent international legal efforts seeking accountability for atrocities committed against the minority group.
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