The prevailing conditions in Myanmar’s Rakhine State are not suitable for the safe and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees, said Dr. Khallilur Rahman, National Security Adviser and High Representative on Rohingya Affairs.

“We are actively engaging with all stakeholders to restore peace and stability in Arakan (Rakhine) so that an environment conducive to the repatriation of the Rohingya population can be created. We remain hopeful of a positive outcome,” he told reporters on Friday evening.

Dr. Khallilur Rahman made these remarks while speaking at a cultural discussion titled “Shubho Rakhine Sangraing 1387,” held at the Rakhine neighborhood in Cox’s Bazar town, organized to celebrate the traditional Rakhine water festival Jol Keli Utsab.

The event was hosted by the Cox’s Bazar Cultural Center at the Jol Keli Mandap in Peshkarpara, beginning at 6 PM. Dr. Khallilur Rahman attended as the chief guest, with Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Salahuddin presiding over the session.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Khallilur Rahman said, “Bangladesh is a land of diverse faiths, ethnicities, and cultures. This is a festive time for our country — we have just celebrated the Bengali New Year, and now we join the Sangraing festivities. I extend my warmest greetings to everyone.”

In response to a journalist’s question, he described Myanmar’s agreement to repatriate 180,000 Rohingyas as a major diplomatic achievement for the current government. “This is a significant and necessary step toward resolving the protracted Rohingya crisis,” he added.

Earlier in the day, Dr. Khallilur Rahman visited the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar and joined Jummah prayers there. He shared that he had informed the Rohingya community about an upcoming international conference led by the United Nations.

“I encouraged them to present a united position during the conference to press for their safe return to Myanmar. We are keeping all channels open and are in continuous dialogue with all relevant parties. As per the directive of the Prime Adviser, efforts are underway to facilitate the repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar by the upcoming Eid,” he concluded.