Porimol Palma

Internal conflicts and changing power dynamics in Myanmar, along with escalating geopolitical tensions, are making the prospect of Rohingya repatriation more complicated, analysts say.

With the 12 lakh-strong Rohingya refugee population growing and international funding shrinking, Bangladesh faces a mounting burden of hosting the persecuted minority from Myanmar.

The overall number of refugees has increased, while funding, which used to be relatively healthy before, has declined.

The ball is now in India’s court to improve strained ties with Bangladesh, and New Delhi needs to address Dhaka’s concerns and respond to the growing public sentiment, foreign policy analysts say.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s possible visit to India later this month could help reset relations by offering an opportunity to address long-standing issues between the two neighbours, foreign policy analysts say.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is likely to visit India between August 20 and 25, with Dhaka and New Delhi discussing the specific dates within the timeframe, diplomatic sources said.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s India visit, sought by both Dhaka and New Delhi, hinges on India’s assurance that ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina will not be allowed to engage in activities from its territory that could create instability in Bangladesh, diplomatic sources said.

Bangladesh is struggling to sustain exports, labour migration and major development cooperation with Russia as US-led financial sanctions imposed after the Russia-Ukraine war continue to disrupt payment settlements.