Nine Years On: Rohingya Still Waiting, Only Numbers Being Counted

Nine Years On: Rohingya Still Waiting, Only Numbers Being Counted

On 25 August 2017, more than 700,000 Rohingya fled into Bangladesh after brutal violence in Rakhine. Nine years later, their return remains a distant hope. Myanmar has verified over 308,000 as former Rakhine residents from Bangladesh’s list of 828,824. Yet no timeline has been given. Repatriation, Naypyidaw insists, will wait until the security situation improves. Verification is not the same as return.

The deeper problem is identity. While calling them former residents, Myanmar continues to reject the name “Rohingya” and labels them “Bengali.” This old stance, repeated at a moment of renewed talks, raises serious doubts about genuine political will. Without citizenship and dignity, what kind of return is possible?

The ground reality has changed completely. Nine years ago the Myanmar army controlled all of Rakhine. Today the Arakan Army holds large parts of the state, including border areas. Where Naypyidaw has no real authority, who will protect returning Rohingya, run local administration, or guarantee their rights? The Arakan Army itself faces accusations of abuse and forced recruitment. The Rohingya have no safe side to choose.

For Bangladesh the challenge has grown. Talks can no longer be limited to Naypyidaw alone. International pressure must be maintained, donor fatigue addressed, and the risk of new arrivals managed. Legal cases continue at the International Court of Justice, but court rulings cannot create security on the ground.

The question has become more complex: Where will they return? To whom? With what rights? And who will keep them safe?

Nine years on, only verification continues. The day of return is still unknown.