Yunus to launch a new era of Bangladesh-Rohingya relations

The appointment of Mohammed Yunus as the interim prime minister of Bangladesh has raised hopes and questions about how his administration will address the ongoing Rohingya crisis. With a background in humanitarian efforts and a history of advocating for marginalized communities, Yunus’ approach to the Rohingya issue is likely to be shaped by his deep understanding of social justice and human rights issues. His foreword in my book on the Rohingya crisis highlights the gravity of the situation and suggests a potential roadmap for his leadership on this front.

The Rohingya, a Muslim minority from Myanmar’s Rakhine State, have faced decades of systematic persecution, culminating in what the UN describes as a “textbook example of ethnic cleansing.” The military-led operations of 2017 forced nearly 1 million Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh, where they now reside in overcrowded refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar. The situation remains dire, with little progress toward repatriation or integration, leaving the Rohingya in a state of limbo.

Yunus’ foreword to “The Rohingyas: Inside Myanmar’s Genocide” paints a bleak picture of the atrocities committed against this group and emphasizes the urgent need for international intervention. His words reflect a deep empathy for the Rohingya and a commitment to their cause. As PM, Yunus is likely to prioritize the Rohingya crisis, recognizing it not only as a humanitarian issue but also as a matter of regional stability and security.

Given Yunus’ background and his emphasis on the protection of basic human rights, his administration is expected to advocate for a more robust and compassionate approach to the Rohingya crisis. In the past, Yunus has strongly condemned the ethnic cleansing in Myanmar and called for global action to prevent further atrocities. This stance suggests that, under his leadership, Bangladesh may take a more proactive role in rallying international support for the Rohingya.

Yunus may seek to strengthen diplomatic ties with key international actors, including the UN, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, to push for a comprehensive solution to the crisis. His administration could also prioritize the implementation of stronger safeguards for the Rohingya within Bangladesh, ensuring that they have access to basic rights and services while the international community works toward a long-term solution.

However, Yunus will face significant challenges in addressing the growing Rohingya population and the cost. Bangladesh is already under immense pressure due to the economic and social burden of hosting nearly 1 million refugees. The prolonged presence of the Rohingya has led to tensions between the local population and the refugees, with concerns about security, resource allocation and environmental degradation.

As PM, Yunus is likely to prioritize the Rohingya crisis, recognizing it as a matter of regional stability and security

Dr. Azeem Ibrahim

Yunus will need to navigate these complexities carefully, balancing the needs of the Rohingya with the concerns of the Bangladeshi population. His administration may need to implement policies that not only address the immediate humanitarian needs of the Rohingya but also promote social cohesion and economic development in the host communities. This could involve initiatives to improve infrastructure, education and employment opportunities in Cox’s Bazar and the surrounding areas.

Yunus has also emphasized the need for international intervention to prevent the Rohingya genocide from escalating further. He is likely to leverage his global reputation and networks to advocate for stronger international pressure on Myanmar to ensure the safe and voluntary repatriation of the Rohingya.

This could involve pushing for targeted sanctions against Myanmar’s military leaders, advocating for their prosecution in international courts and demanding that Myanmar take concrete steps to restore citizenship rights to the Rohingya. Yunus may also work to secure more substantial international aid for the Rohingya, both in terms of humanitarian assistance and support for their eventual return to Myanmar.

One of the key points Yunus raises in his statement is the importance of addressing the root causes of the Rohingya crisis. As PM, he should push for a regional dialogue involving Myanmar, Bangladesh and other neighboring countries to develop a sustainable solution. This could involve negotiating agreements on repatriation, citizenship and the protection of minority rights within Myanmar.

Yunus may also explore the possibility of offering Rohingya refugees more permanent forms of residency or citizenship in Bangladesh, although this would be a politically sensitive move. Such a step would require significant international support, both in terms of resources and political backing, to mitigate the domestic backlash and ensure that it contributes to regional stability.

Ultimately, Yunus’ approach to the Rohingya crisis is likely to be driven by a strong moral imperative, as reflected in his foreword. He views the situation not only as a political or economic issue, but also as a fundamental question of human rights and dignity. His administration will likely emphasize the importance of protecting the most vulnerable and ensuring that the Rohingya are not abandoned by the international community.

The interim leadership of Yunus presents a unique opportunity for Bangladesh to take a more assertive and compassionate role in addressing the Rohingya crisis. His humanitarian values and global stature could help galvanize international action and pave the way for a more sustainable solution. However, the success of his efforts will depend on his ability to navigate the complex political and social dynamics within Bangladesh and the broader region. The world will be watching closely to see how Yunus addresses this critical issue and whether his leadership can bring about the change that the Rohingya so desperately need.

• Dr. Azeem Ibrahim is the director of special initiatives at the Newlines Institute for Strategy and Policy in Washington, DC. X: @AzeemIbrahim