Office of the Refugee Relief & Repatriation Commissioner, Cox's Bazar

26/08/2026

A delegation of U.S. Congressional staff, accompanied by colleagues from UNHCR’s Multi-Country Office in Washington, D.C., visited the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar and the Office of the Refugee Relief & Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) today.
The delegation was comprised of Ms. Noelle Dana, Senior Legislative Assistant to Rep. Ryan MacKenzie; Mr. Robert Sar, Legislative Director to Rep. Stephanie Bice; Mr. Ryan Carreiro, Legislative Assistant to Rep. Marlin Stutzman; Ms. Torie Cox, National Security Analyst, Senate Republican Policy Committee; Ms. Sarah Jacobs, Legislative Director to Rep. Madeleine Dean; Ms. Maiesha Hossain, National Security Legislative Aide to Senator Chris Van Hollen; and Ms. Marshele Bryant, Legislative Director to Rep. Maxwell Frost.
They were accompanied by Ms. Nancy Jackson, Senior External Relations Officer, and Ms. Jessie Ainslie, External Relations Associate, from UNHCR’s Multi-Country Office in Washington, D.C.
During the visit, the delegation met with Mr. Mohammed Mizanur Rahman, Additional Secretary and Refugee Relief & Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC), and discussed the ongoing Rohingya humanitarian crisis, the situation in the refugee camps, humanitarian response, and the prospects for the safe, voluntary and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingya to Myanmar.
The visit reflects the continued interest and engagement of the United States in the Rohingya refugee situation and reaffirms the importance of international cooperation in supporting the Rohingya population and the humanitarian response in Bangladesh

26/08/2026

# Statement from Diplomatic Missions Reaffirms Rohingya’s Right to Return, Calls for Sustained Global Solidarity # #

As the Rohingya crisis enters its tenth year, the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) acknowledges the Joint Statement from Diplomatic Missions issued on 25 August 2026, which underscores the enduring resilience, courage and dignity of the Rohingya people and recognises Bangladesh’s remarkable generosity in providing refuge for nearly a decade.

The statement unequivocally reaffirms that Rohingya refugees have the right to return to their homes in Myanmar. Yet, escalating conflict, growing insecurity, attacks on civilian infrastructure, and restrictions on humanitarian assistance continue to undermine the prospects for voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation.

A durable solution demands more than temporary relief. It calls for a strategic, coordinated and long-term approach that addresses the root causes of displacement, rebuilds trust among communities, strengthens peace and stability in Myanmar, and equips the Rohingya with the education and skills required to rebuild their homes, livelihoods and communities in Rakhine.

Bangladesh will continue to work closely with the international community to forge pathways towards sustainable repatriation, while safeguarding the dignity, rights and wellbeing of Rohingya refugees and host communities.

As humanitarian needs grow and resources face mounting constraints, the international community must redouble its efforts, sustain humanitarian assistance, strengthen self-reliance, and amplify Rohingya voices in decisions that shape their future. Greater ownership by local and refugee-led actors can help forge a more effective, inclusive and accountable humanitarian response.

Nine years on, the Rohingya must not fade from the world’s conscience. Their aspirations for safety, dignity, justice and a secure future deserve unwavering international solidarity.

The road to repatriation may remain arduous, but collective resolve can help pave the way towards a future where the Rohingya return home with dignity, security and hope.

25/08/2026

Statement from the RRRC Office on the 9th Anniversary of the Rohingya Forced Displacement

As the Rohingya crisis enters its tenth year, the Office of the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) takes note of the statement issued by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, on 24 August 2026, marking nine years since the forced mass displacement of Rohingya and other communities from Myanmar.

The statement brings into sharp relief the deepening insecurity, shrinking protection space and diminishing prospects for a durable solution confronting the Rohingya in Myanmar, Bangladesh and across the region. It also underscores the increasingly precarious humanitarian landscape, compounded by dwindling international funding for life-saving assistance.

The RRRC Office welcomes the Secretary-General’s renewed call to protect civilians, uphold international law, strengthen regional cooperation on search and rescue, and push back against human trafficking, misinformation, disinformation and hate speech targeting the Rohingya.

Bangladesh continues to shoulder its humanitarian responsibility with remarkable generosity and steadfastness. Yet, after nine years of protracted displacement, the burden has grown increasingly onerous. The international community must step up, rather than step back, from its collective responsibility towards the Rohingya and their host communities.

The Secretary-General’s call for an inclusive and comprehensive political solution that addresses the root causes of the crisis also merits sustained international engagement. Until conditions allow for voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return, humanitarian assistance, livelihood opportunities and self-reliance support must continue without interruption.

The RRRC Office remains committed to working with the Government of Bangladesh, the United Nations, humanitarian partners and the international community to uphold the dignity and aspirations of the Rohingya while advancing conditions conducive to their safe, dignified and sustainable return to Myanmar.

The message from the UN Secretary-General comes at a critical juncture: the world must not look away from the Rohingya crisis; it must step up, stand firm and see through a durable solution.

24/08/2026

The Rohingya Exodus: Challenges and the Future of a Protracted Crisis

Today, the Office of the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC), Cox’s Bazar, hosted a significant commemoration event titled “The Rohingya Exodus: Challenges and the Future of this Protracted Crisis”, jointly organized with the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).

The event brought together a broad spectrum of stakeholders—including representatives from the Government of Bangladesh, UN agencies, donor agencies, INGOs, NGOs, local representatives, Rohingya leaders and other humanitarian actors—reflecting the collective resolve required to confront one of the world’s most protracted displacement crises.

The programme featured Ambassador Asad Alam Siam, Foreign Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as the Chief Guest.

The discussions underscored several imperatives:

🔹 Sustained international financing remains indispensable as humanitarian funding continues to face unprecedented constraints.

🔹 Accurate population verification must remain a priority. The joint verification exercise undertaken by RRRC and UNHCR can provide a credible basis for determining the actual Rohingya population in Bangladesh.

🔹 Bangladesh cannot shoulder this immense responsibility indefinitely on its own. The international community must therefore sustain meaningful political and diplomatic pressure on Myanmar.

🔹 The crisis demands an action-oriented and time-bound roadmap, developed through robust coordination among the Government, UN, donors, humanitarian organizations and other relevant stakeholders.

🔹 Preparing the Rohingya population for eventual repatriation requires investment in education, skills development, vocational capacities and digital learning.

🔹 Above all, we must keep the hope of repatriation alive within the Rohingya community. A durable solution ultimately lies in a safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable return to their homeland.

🔹 Stronger coordination and appropriate empowerment of organizations engaged in the Rohingya response remain essential for a more coherent and effective humanitarian architecture.

🔹 Finally, Bangladesh must guard against narratives that stigmatize Rohingya refugees or fuel xenophobic sentiments. In the prevailing circumstances, the Rohingya have little meaningful protection elsewhere. Any injustice or mistreatment inflicted upon them today may, in time, carry consequences for Bangladesh itself.

After nine years of displacement, the Rohingya crisis must not descend into the annals of a “forgotten crisis.” The humanitarian imperative remains undeniable, but humanitarian assistance alone cannot constitute the endgame. What the moment demands now involves collective political will, sustained international solidarity, diplomatic leverage and a credible pathway towards repatriation.

The crisis originated in Myanmar; its ultimate solution must also emerge from Myanmar.

The time has come not merely to manage the crisis, but to resolve it.

22/08/2026

CONFLUENCE 2026: Entering the 10th Year of the Rohingya Response

Today in Dhaka, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) convened “CONFLUENCE 2026: A Convening of Partnership, Appreciation and Commitment”, marking the entry into the 10th year of the Rohingya response.

The two insightful panel discussions brought together distinguished national and international voices, reflecting on the trajectory of the crisis, the responsibilities of the international community, and the path ahead.

Several important imperatives emerged from the discussions:

🔹 Rohingyas aspire to return to their homeland with dignity, safety and rights. While Bangladesh remains steadfast in its humanitarian commitment, a sustainable solution cannot be achieved by Bangladesh alone. Sustained and concerted international pressure on Myanmar remains indispensable.

🔹 Investing in education, skills development and meaningful opportunities for Rohingya youth is imperative. Such interventions can help prevent negative coping mechanisms, strengthen resilience and contribute to a more stable and secure environment in Bangladesh.

🔹 Research on the evolution of the Rohingya crisis is essential. A comprehensive and evidence-based assessment could illuminate the magnitude of Bangladesh Government’s contribution and the profound sacrifices made by local communities over the past decade.

🔹 Human capital formation and development deserves greater scholarly and policy attention. Building the capacities, skills and productive potential of the Rohingya population can contribute to their resilience today and their preparedness for a sustainable future.

As the Rohingya response enters its tenth year, partnership must evolve into deeper commitment, evidence must inform policy, and humanitarian assistance must remain aligned with the pursuit of a durable solution.

Bangladesh has carried an extraordinary responsibility for nearly a decade. The next chapter must be defined by shared responsibility, sustained international solidarity and a resolute commitment to a dignified and sustainable solution.

17/08/2026

Editorial is strong indeed

Myanmar must fix its questionable verification process.

12/08/2026

Today, the Office of the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) had the pleasure of hosting 45 Capstone Fellows of the Capstone Course 2026/2 and an 89-member delegation of Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) officers participating in the 146th, 147th, and 148th Law and Administration Courses.

During the visit, Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Mohammed Mizanur Rahman conducted a comprehensive and insightful session covering the geopolitical context and historical evolution of the Rohingya crisis, humanitarian response mechanisms, repatriation efforts, and the broader challenges surrounding refugee management in Bangladesh.

The participants demonstrated keen interest and active engagement throughout the discussion, raising thoughtful and insightful questions on policy, governance, humanitarian coordination, and the regional implications of the crisis.

Such academic and professional exchanges play an important role in strengthening institutional understanding and fostering informed future leadership within the civil service.

The RRRC Office remains committed to supporting knowledge-sharing initiatives and is always delighted to host meaningful academic discussions and learning engagements.

05/08/2026

On the occasion of July Mass Uprising Day 2026, the Office of the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) paid solemn tribute to the martyrs of the July 2024 uprising.

On this day, we respectfully remember the brave souls whose ultimate sacrifice strengthened the nation’s pursuit of democracy, justice, rights, and human dignity. Their courage and dedication will remain an enduring source of inspiration for generations to come.

We pay our deepest respects to the martyrs. 🇧🇩

03/08/2026

A high-level delegation from IOM met with Mr. Mohammed Mizanur Rahman, Additional Secretary and Refugee Relief & Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) today.

The IOM delegation was comprised of Ms. Ugochi Daniels (Deputy Director General for Operations), Mr. Iori Kato (Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific), Ms. Carol Flore-Smereczniak (UN Resident Coordinator ad interim), Dr. Laura Tomm Bonde (IOM Chief of Mission, Bangladesh), Ms. Priya Marwah (Advisor to the Deputy Director General), and Mr. Peter Kern (Head of Sub-Office, IOM Cox’s Bazar).

They discussed the ongoing Rohingya humanitarian crisis, operational challenges, and opportunities to further strengthen coordination for an effective and sustainable humanitarian response. The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of the Government of Bangladesh and IOM to continued collaboration in addressing the needs of the Rohingya population and supporting humanitarian operations.

🌍🤝

02/08/2026

A good report on menace of drug peddling from other side of boarder.

Fishing boats leave Bangladesh loaded with cement, rice, lentils and edible oil. They return with yaba hidden inside fish. Myanmar rebel groups, including the Arakan Army - which now controls nearly 80% of Rakhine State - are paying for Bangladeshi goods with narcotics. Cash is no longer the only currency in this border trade. This is Part 2 of The Daily Star's four-part investigation into Bangladesh's drug trafficking network. Read full investigation here - https://tinyurl.com/kwkhf3tt