Sarowar Azam Manik, Cox’s Bazar
More than 1.3 million Rohingya refugees are currently living in Cox’s Bazar. For the past eight years, the district has been burdened by the prolonged presence of this displaced population. Speakers at a conference on the Rohingya crisis stressed that there is no alternative to ensuring their sustainable and dignified repatriation, noting that the crisis has now become a global issue.
The remarks came during a conference on the Rohingya situation, organised on Sunday (16 November) by the Commonwealth Journalists Association (CGA) with support from the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) and BRAC, held in Cox’s Bazar.
Speakers said the Rohingya crisis is not only a humanitarian concern but also a matter of justice and global accountability. They called upon the international community to ensure Myanmar’s responsibility and to create concrete pathways for the dignified return of the Rohingya population to their homeland.
The conference was presided over by Farida Parveen Chowdhury, President of CGA Bangladesh Chapter.
Mostafizur Rahman, Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, attended as the chief guest. Special guest remarks were delivered by Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner; Mohammad Kamruzzaman, Head of the Rohingya Cell at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Shama Obaid, Organising Secretary of the BNP’s Central Executive Committee, among others.
The day-long event, organised in three sessions, featured in-depth discussions on long-term solutions, future planning and challenges related to the Rohingya crisis. Senior journalist and Associated Press representative Julhas Alam, Professor Rahman Nasir Uddin, Dr. Zakia Sultana, Dr. Amenah Mohsin, migration expert Asif Munier, CGA Bangladesh Chapter Secretary Osman Gani Monsur, Cox’s Bazar District BNP President Shahjahan Chowdhury, Cox’s Bazar Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Nur Ahmed Anwari, and NCP Joint Member Secretary Suza Uddin Suza were among those who shared their perspectives.
Speakers emphasized the need for a coordinated and long-term approach, highlighting humanitarian support for Rohingyas, skill development, crisis-management experiences, and strategies for building a sustainable future.
Participants included journalists, academics, political leaders, representatives from government and non-government organizations, Rohingya community leaders, officials from international aid agencies, and various stakeholders engaged with the Rohingya issue.
