DHAKA: Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Prof. Muhammad Yunus, on Saturday warned the international community that the ongoing Rohingya crisis is a “ticking time-bomb” that could explode if not addressed swiftly and through coordinated global efforts.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Prof. Yunus stressed the urgency of resolving the crisis, which has left Bangladesh hosting over 1.2 million Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char. He urged the world to acknowledge the gravity of the situation.
“The worry for the whole world is that this is a ticking time-bomb that can explode in any way,” said Prof. Yunus. He added that while Bangladesh is directly affected by the crisis, the solution requires international collaboration.
“We will keep on raising the issue. Malaysia will be supporting us. We can’t wait indefinitely. This is something we have to resolve as soon as possible.”
The Nobel Peace Laureate discussed the issue with the Malaysian premier, highlighting the broader implications for regional stability. Malaysia, which also hosts a smaller population of Rohingya refugees, shares concerns about the crisis, Prof. Yunus said.
“This is not a problem for Bangladesh alone, but a problem for Malaysia too,” he remarked.
Prof. Yunus expressed optimism about Malaysia’s support, particularly as the country prepares to assume the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in January 2025.
“We need to find a solution to that problem. And we would work together through ASEAN, through the Malaysian government, and the international community,” he said, adding that Malaysia’s role in ASEAN could be crucial in galvanizing regional cooperation.
Highlighting two critical aspects of the Rohingya crisis, Prof. Yunus pointed out that over the last seven years, an average of 32,000 children have been born annually in the Rohingya refugee camps. Additionally, an estimated 400 to 500 Rohingya refugees continue to cross into Bangladesh every day, further exacerbating the situation.
“A whole new generation of young people is growing up in the camps located in Cox’s Bazar. This is a generation of angry young people. They have no future,” he said. Prof. Yunus expressed his deep concern over the growing frustration among the Rohingya youth, a concern he shared with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
The Chief Adviser emphasized that without urgent intervention, the situation could spiral out of control. “This is a concern I shared with the Prime Minister of Malaysia,” he said, referring to the rising anger and lack of opportunity among the refugee population.
