Myanmar Recognizes 283,086 Rohingya as Former Residents; Repatriation Timeline Remains Uncertain

Myanmar has officially recognized 283,086 Rohingya refugees currently residing in Bangladesh as “persons who previously lived in Myanmar,” according to Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser, Dr. Khalilur Rahman.

Speaking in the National Parliament on Wednesday, Dr. Rahman stated that Bangladesh has submitted information on 829,036 Rohingya refugees to Myanmar in six phases. Of the 393,503 cases reviewed by Myanmar authorities so far, 283,086 individuals have been formally recognized as former residents of the country.

Despite this development, the adviser said it remains difficult to provide a specific timeline for the commencement of Rohingya repatriation due to the complex security situation and ongoing armed conflict in Myanmar’s Rakhine State.

According to the latest data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Bangladesh is currently hosting 1,189,213 forcibly displaced Rohingya refugees.

Dr. Rahman emphasized that the Government of Bangladesh continues to pursue a safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable repatriation process as the only long-term solution to the Rohingya crisis. He noted that Bangladesh is maintaining diplomatic engagement with Myanmar, regional stakeholders, and international partners while also supporting limited third-country resettlement initiatives.

The adviser further highlighted ongoing efforts to improve security in and around the refugee camps through coordinated operations against criminal networks, narcotics trafficking, and illegal arms activities.

Bangladesh has repeatedly called on the international community to intensify efforts toward creating conditions in Rakhine State that would allow Rohingya refugees to return safely and voluntarily to their homeland.

Source: The Business Standard | Bangladesh Parliament Proceedings | 17 June 2026