The United States has introduced a significant proposal at the United Nations regarding Rohingya repatriation, which could pose new challenges for Bangladesh’s interim government and National Security Advisor Khalilur Rahman (Roger Rahman).On June 10, the US advocated for a comprehensive and inclusive dialogue to ensure the safe and voluntary return of Rohingya refugees. Crucially, the proposal calls for the inclusion of the Arakan Army, which currently controls large portions of Myanmar’s Rakhine region. However, this move could spark further controversy surrounding the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus and its alleged efforts—along with Khalilur Rahman—to reach an agreement with the Rakhine-based insurgent mgroup.At a press briefing during the United Nations Economic and Social Council session, US Ambassador Jonathan Schrier stated that “all parties” must be included in the repatriation process—especially the Arakan Army, due to its dominance in the region.This statement comes amid serious allegations of human rights violations by the Arakan Army. Local observers and displaced persons have reported forced conscription, abuses, arbitrary justice, and targeted violence against minorities, particularly the Rohingya. While the Arakan Army presents itself as a resistance force against the Myanmar military, its growing power has failed to provide meaningful protection to civilians.A human rights monitor based in Rakhine noted, “The Arakan Army’s rise to power does not exempt it from accountability. We are witnessing threats of violence in response to questions about their authority, along with displacement and brutality.”The US has condemned abuses by all parties in Rakhine, including the Myanmar military’s brutal campaigns—featuring aerial bombings, destruction of schools and mosques, and communication blackouts to conceal atrocities. Ambassador Schrier urged both the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army to ensure civilian protection and to restore humanitarian aid and communication access.Meanwhile, the Yunus-led interim government and Khalilur Rahman have been pursuing a solution to the Rohingya crisis, reportedly seeking an agreement with the Arakan Army. This initiative has been strongly opposed by Myanmar’s ruling junta, which retaliated by expelling the Bangladeshi military attaché and ambassador from Yangon.The proposed strategy includes establishing a humanitarian corridor to deliver aid. However, the UN’s call for renewed inclusive talks involving all actors could complicate Dr. Yunus and Khalilur Rahman’s approach, particularly due to the controversial nature of engaging with a group accused of human rights violations.In a recent address to the nation, Dr. Yunus flatly denied any proposal for a humanitarian corridor involving the Arakan Army, calling such claims “entirely false.” The national security advisor also asserted that no past or future discussions about such a corridor have occurred.As the humanitarian crisis in Rakhine deepens, demands are growing for all actors—military or insurgent—to act responsibly. The US initiative could further entangle the strategies of Dr. Yunus and Khalilur Rahman, whose engagement with the Arakan Army remains ambiguous. Transparent and inclusive dialogue is becoming increasingly essential to resolving this complex conflict.
