A recent 11-member national committee, led by the prime minister, has been formed to develop a national strategy for rapid and sustainable Rohingya repatriation. The article questions whether the committee can produce an effective strategy because its membership is dominated by senior government, security and intelligence officials, with the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner described as the only member with direct field exposure to the crisis.

The committee was formed after the Brussels-based International Crisis Group published comments and recommendations in July. Those recommendations included engaging the Arakan Army while also talking to Myanmar’s military authorities, allowing Rohingya greater self-reliance and formal labour-market access, changing camp-management policy, and pursuing a refugee policy. The article argues that these ideas have long been raised by researchers, while verification for repatriation remains incomplete in 2026.

It says local administrators from Ukhia, Teknaf and Cox’s Bazar, as well as long-time Rohingya researchers, should have been included. The article also stresses that Bangladesh needs a clear refugee policy and stronger diplomacy as aid declines and prospects for repatriation remain difficult.