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Dhaka, June 19, 2025: Experts at a seminar emphasized the need for Bangladesh to accelerate diplomatic efforts with Myanmar to address the ongoing Rohingya crisis, warning that a lack of national unity on this issue could lead to severe consequences for the country in the future.
The seminar, titled “Rohingya, Rakhine, and Myanmar Context: Bangladesh’s Risks,” was held on Thursday morning at the National Press Conference Club in Dhaka, organized by the Policy Research Centre.
Former Bangladesh Ambassador to Myanmar, Sufiur Rahman, highlighted the deep-rooted-seated hatred and mistrust towards the Rohingya population within Myanmar, attributing it to a mix of political, religious, and social factors. He also noted a highly negative perception of Bangladesh and its people among Myanmar’s general public, complicating bilateral relations further.
Political scientist Professor Dilara Choudhury pointed out the lack of meaningful communication between the two neighboring countries, which has left Bangladesh unfamiliar with Myanmar’s social, political, and cultural dynamics. This gap, she said, left Bangladesh unprepared when the Rohingya influx began, and the issue remains unresolved.
Speakers stressed that overcoming mistrust and suspicion between the people of both nations is crucial to resolving these challenges. Failure to do so could lead to dire consequences for Bangladesh, they warned.
The seminar was also attended by Brigadier General (Retd.) Mohammad Hasan Nasir, Professor Mahbubul Haque, and journalist Paromita Palma.
Notably, the speakers remarked that establishing a corridor in Rakhine would only be feasible with the support of the people of both countries.
AI/MR
