Dr. Khalilur Rahman, the Chief Adviser’s High Representative, said today (April 8) that Myanmar is set to begin reviewing the names of 550,000 Rohingyas submitted by Bangladesh for repatriation.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, Dr Khalilur shared details of his recent meeting with Myanmar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister U Than Shwe on the sidelines of the sixth BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok.

He stated that progress had been made on the Rohingya issue, with Myanmar authorities having verified 180,000 individuals from a list of 2,50,000 deemed eligible to return. 

However, discrepancies regarding the identities and photographs of around 70,000 people remain, which both countries have agreed to address through continued dialogue.

Bangladesh had earlier submitted the names of 800,000 Rohingyas to Myanmar in six phases between 2018 and 2020. 

The Myanmar side has now pledged to complete the verification of the remaining 550,000 as quickly as possible.

Dr Khalilur also highlighted outcomes of the BIMSTEC Summit, noting that Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has been elected as the new chair of the regional bloc for a two-year term. 

He expressed hope that the organisation would grow more dynamic under Yunus's leadership.

He acknowledged that while there was no significant progress on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) among BIMSTEC member countries, Bangladesh intends to push forward efforts to advance it.

Additionally, an agreement on maritime transport cooperation was signed at the summit, which he said would help enhance port management, regional connectivity, and cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region.

The sixth BIMSTEC Summit was held recently in Bangkok, Thailand.

BDST: 1810 HRS, April 8, 2025
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