Dr Ambia Parveen was born in Myanmar's Rakhine State. Since 2012, she has been advocating for the rights of the Rohingya and their dignified repatriation to their homeland, Myanmar, across Europe and on international platforms.

A co-founder of Rohingya Medics, Dr Parveen is a former chairperson and currently the vice-chair of the European Rohingya Council. She has been one of the most vocal figures on the Rohingya issue at the International Court of Justice. Ambia Parveen also serves as a central member of the Rohingya Consultative Council.

Speaking to Banglanews, Dr Parveen said there has been no real progress on Rohingya repatriation since the Interim Government took power.

“We share the same goal, but we are not united,” she said about the repatriation efforts.

“The Rohingya crisis is much like Asia’s ‘Palestinian issue.’ We need united global action, not scattered efforts,” she added.

Banglanews spoke with Dr Ambia Parveen on the subject of Rohingya repatriation and contemporary issues in Arakan. The interview was conducted by Banglanews Germany correspondent Sagar Anwar.

Dr Ambia Parveen

Below is the full interview in text: 

Banglanews: Has there been any progress in Rohingya repatriation since the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus took office in Bangladesh?

Dr Ambia Parveen: There has been no meaningful progress—only symbolic gestures. While financial assistance continues, there has been no political advancement when it comes to repatriation or securing basic rights. And that’s precisely what is most needed now.

Banglanews: Do you think former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina accepted the Rohingya refugees purely on humanitarian grounds, or were there other motivations?

Dr Ambia Parveen: Back then, many believed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s decision to shelter the Rohingya was not purely humanitarian—some thought it was aimed at gaining global recognition, even a Nobel Prize. Though the crisis was urgent, her government took few real steps to ensure the Rohingya's return. Now, people are rethinking those choices considering their lasting impact.

Banglanews: Do you still believe that a dignified return of the Rohingya to their homeland in Arakan is possible?

Dr Ambia Parveen: Yes, I still believe it’s possible—because losing hope means giving up on justice. A dignified return can happen if Myanmar ensures legal rights, safety, and real commitment. Sadly, Myanmar’s government, the Arakan Army, and weak global interest make it doubtful. Still, with strong UN action and an international system in place, safe and voluntary return is possible.

Banglanews: What is the current situation in the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh?

Dr Ambia Parveen: I don’t live in the camps but stay in close contact with Rohingya residents and visited Bangladesh last February. Conditions have worsened badly over the past year. Since 2023, major funding cuts have hit food, education, and healthcare. In February 2025, child malnutrition rose by 27% (WHO, UNICEF). Many health centres have closed, NGOs have reduced services, and children’s mental health is in crisis. The situation is alarming.

Banglanews: The UN Secretary-General recently visited the Rohingya camps. Does this visit carry a message of hope?

Dr Ambia Parveen: Symbolically, yes—it gave us hope. When UN Secretary-General António Guterres visited Cox’s Bazar in March 2025, he called the aid cuts a “crime” and promised more support. His visit lifted our spirits about returning home. But beyond words, we need real action—stronger pressure on Myanmar, more aid in the camps, and a clear long-term plan. Sadly, none of that is happening yet.

Banglanews: There are reports that the Arakan Army has now taken control of Rakhine or Arakan. Is Arakan breaking away from Myanmar?

Dr Ambia Parveen: Yes, we have reliable reports that the Arakan Army is trying to turn Rakhine into an autonomous or even independent state. Whether it gets official recognition will depend on the battlefield and political deals. But if they do this without including the Rohingya, it will deepen our statelessness and worsen our crisis.

Banglanews: In this new political reality, what does the future hold for the Rohingya?

Dr Ambia Parveen: It entirely depends on the Arakan Army. Whether they adopt an inclusive policy or continue to exclude the Rohingya—that will determine everything. If they grant equal rights to all communities, including the Rohingya, then there is hope. But if they continue on the path of exclusion, then the Rohingya will remain stateless, displaced, and oppressed.

Banglanews: Why does the Arakan Army refuse to grant citizenship to the Rohingya?

Dr Ambia Parveen: It's rooted in historical hostility. Rakhine nationalism and pressure from the Rakhine population are the key drivers. Changing this stance requires courageous internal dialogue, reconciliation, and sustained international pressure.

Banglanews: Is there any ongoing effort from the Rohingya side to engage in dialogue with the Arakan Army?

Dr Ambia Parveen: Yes, there are backchannel and local initiatives. The aim is to create a rights-based dialogue and mutual understanding. However, there has been no formal consent for talks from their side.

Banglanews: Does the Arakan Army's control in Rakhine now block the path for Rohingya repatriation, or is there still a glimmer of hope?

Dr Ambia Parveen: It’s hard to say for sure. The Arakan Army has taken control of some areas, but their position on the Rohingya is still unclear. They mainly represent ethnic Rakhine and have never stood up for Rohingya rights. In fact, they were part of the genocide and still carry out attacks. The Myanmar government couldn’t have done it without the support of the Arakan Army, its political wing ULA, and the Rakhine community. So, under their control, Rohingya return or recognition seems unlikely.

Banglanews: Does that mean the Rohingya won't be returning any time soon?

Dr Ambia Parveen: The main reasons obstructing our return haven’t changed. Myanmar denies us citizenship and legal rights, and there’s no real safety guarantee. Violence continues in Rakhine, and the Arakan Army’s stance is no better. Until these issues are solved, repatriation will stay unsafe and stalled. Our return is not a favor—it’s our birthright.

Banglanews: You mentioned there are backchannel communications with the Arakan Army and international actors. Is there a specific leadership from the Rohingya side overseeing this engagement?

Dr Ambia Parveen: Unfortunately, we lack unified or specific leadership. Decades of genocide, intergenerational trauma, and divisions even among Rohingya leadership in exile have severely weakened our leadership structure. This division weakens our position in political dialogue.

Banglanews: Then who is currently playing a role in these communications on behalf of the Rohingya?

Dr Ambia Parveen: We have many dedicated activists and organizers across various countries. Organizations like ERC, FRC, ARU, and BROUCK are active. We are also working with the United Nations. Sadly, we still do not have a full-fledged or legitimate political representative, not even in the camps in Ukhiya.

Banglanews: So, is the Rohingya society divided even on the issue of repatriation due to the lack of legitimate representation?

Dr Ambia Parveen: Most Rohingya do want to return. The division lies in the matter of timing and trust. Some won't return without security assurances, while others desperately seek relief from the harsh camp life. But I must say, we are unified in our objective. If we are not united, how can we speak with one voice about our crisis?

Banglanews: Isn't this internal disagreement delaying the repatriation process even further?

Dr Ambia Parveen: Yes, to be honest, this division weakens our position. But it's not an intentional division—it's the result of long-standing oppression. If the international community and Bangladesh build trust in our leadership and provide support, we can foster unity.

Banglanews: The Bangladesh government has appointed a High Representative to address the Rohingya issue. Do you think this appointment could aid your repatriation?

Dr Ambia Parveen: This is a promising and positive step. If he doesn't limit consultations only to select stakeholders within the camps and genuinely listens to all significant voices among the Rohingya, it could lead to sustainable and positive change. But so far, we haven't seen anything substantial at the ground level that gives us real hope.

Banglanews: Yet, it's true that Rohingya issues are now being raised more frequently in international forums following this appointment...

Dr Ambia Parveen: Some level of interest is visible, but what's needed are real, concrete steps—restoring donor funding, applying political pressure on Myanmar and the Arakan Army. These are not happening. The focus must be on the return of the Rohingya. That is essential, and it's not happening.

Banglanews: The Myanmar junta has deep ties with China. How do you view China's role, and what do you expect from them?

Dr Ambia Parveen: China has strategic and massive economic investments in Rakhine. They want a stable Rakhine and are prioritizing state interests over human rights. If China supported inclusive governance, they could play a positive role. But by not doing so, their actions are having a negative impact in Rakhine.

Banglanews: Do you expect any role from India, the United States, or the United Nations?

Dr Ambia Parveen: India focuses mainly on regional stability and offers limited aid, but its role in Rohingya repatriation is minimal. The U.S., once the top donor, cut funding in 2025 under the Trump administration, hurting camp services. The U.S. must re-engage, and the UN should lead efforts to hold Myanmar and the Arakan Army accountable. That’s not happening. The crisis is dragging on—much like Asia’s “Palestinian issue.” We need united global action, not scattered efforts.

Banglanews: What will happen if the UN or the U.S. completely halts humanitarian aid?

Dr Ambia Parveen: It will trigger a humanitarian catastrophe. Food, healthcare, and education systems will collapse.

Banglanews: Beyond Bangladesh, have any ASEAN countries stepped up with support?

Dr Ambia Parveen: Unfortunately, ASEAN has been largely inactive on the Rohingya issue. Malaysia and Indonesia have shown some solidarity and provided assistance, but what is lacking is diplomatic leadership.

Banglanews: From the OIC's side...

Dr Ambia Parveen: Only statements are issued. We expect strong and effective action.

Banglanews: So, has there truly been no effective diplomatic initiative regarding the Rohingya crisis?

Dr Ambia Parveen: The International Criminal Court's arrest warrants against Myanmar's junta, Argentina's universal jurisdiction case, and the proceedings at the International Court of Justice have been the most significant steps. But above all, our attempt to return home has failed. That was what we needed most.

Banglanews: Have the Rohingya requested a humanitarian corridor for aid delivery inside Rakhine?

Dr Ambia Parveen: Yes, community leaders and NGOs have asked for aid. But Rakhine is now under tight control. Because of heavy politicization by the Rakhine community and Arakan Army, the real situation is unclear. We’re hearing that the Rohingya genocide may have resumed.

Banglanews: Can a humanitarian corridor benefit the Rohingya?

Dr Ambia Parveen: It’s hard to believe a corridor would help. Only if it’s neutral, secure, and under global monitoring, it might support the Rohingya. But it can't replace political solutions. This is not just a humanitarian crisis—it’s about political rights. The Rohingya and Myanmar crises are deeply linked.

Banglanews: If repatriation resumes, what kind of political rights and dignity do the Rohingya seek?

Dr Ambia Parveen: We seek full citizenship, equal rights, and constitutional protection. We are not asking for autonomy—our goal is dignity, security, and recognition of our ethnic identity.

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