The Global Discourse on Repatriation of Rohingya Refugees organised by Muslim World Research Centre (NWRC) and Centre for New Inclusive Asia (CNI) moderated by Prof Dr. Isharaf Hossain in collaboration with Cable News International (CNI) Bangladesh, OIC Study Group, UM Department of Islamic History and Civilisation & Dhaka Forum. It was graced Tan Sri Dr. Syed Hamid Albar, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and currently the Chairman of World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) Foundation.
Status Report prepared by Brig Gen (R) Shafaat Ahmad, Adjunct Professor, Bangladesh University of Professionals & Vice Chair/Distinguished Fellow of NWRC briefed the delegates that on 22 March 2023, Myanmar Government announced that starting from mid-April repatriating of 1,140 Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh had commenced. This pilot repatriation program took off owing to mediation efforts by China, Asia's rising power that maintains close ties with both Bangladesh, Myanmar and the ASEAN.
Tan Sri Dr. Syed Hamid said "The early safe, sustainable and voluntary repatriation of the Rohingya refugees to Rakhine State from Cox's Bazar will be beneficial not only for Bangladesh and Myanmar but for the whole region. I highly appreciate the initiatives of Bangladesh in arranging the 'Go and See' visit in Myanmar & 'Come and Talk' visit in Bangladesh by the respective delegations of Bangladesh & Myanmar to facilitate the repatriation project. The Chinese Ambassador also visited Rohingya refugees Camps".
Syed Hamid who has been Special Envoy for Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) on refugees, suggested "The initiative by the Chinese Government in repatriating the refugees will certainly gain momentum if ASEAN countries are included in the process. They can help to convince Myanmar to resolve citizenship status of the Rohingya."
A panel of discussants comprised of Mr. Ashraq Zaman, Chairman CNI Bangladesh, Mr. Bunn Nagara, former Senior Fellow of Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia, Mr. Koh King Kee, President of Centre for Inclusive Asia (CNI), former Ambassador Yahaya Abd. Jabar, Prof Dr. Mohamad Abul Bashar of MAHSA University, Dr. Fahmi of University of Malaya, Prof Dato' Baharuddin Ahmad, Distinguished Fellow/Vice Chairman of NWRC and Dr. Zulkifly Baharom, CEO Global Sejahtera Initiative.
The concern of Malaysian delegates at this Global Discourse is for Myanmar Government to swiftly resolve the repatriation matter simply because unfortunately, the highest number of Rohingya refugees, almost 200,000 refugees are in Malaysia. If we don't solve it, we have to bear overwhelming burden that we can't afford to handle it anymore.
Dr. Zul stressed that the Government of Malaysia should continue insisting that repatriation be done in a safe, voluntary and dignified manner. Mindless or careless process without due preparation in Myanmar may lead to more suffering for Rohingya refugees now living in very difficult realities and some even be victims for human trafficking.
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