Press Statement : Repatriation of displaced persons from Rakhine State

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued press statement on Saturday, regarding the Myanmar's ongoing efforts on repatriation of displaced persons from Rakhine State.

It stated that the global news media have presented different accounts of displaced persons from Rakhine State, and “the boat people” migrating to other countries, as well as those living in camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh.

It is observed that these reports, publications, and broadcasts are one-sided and based on misinformation and disinformation. The statement added that the reality on the ground regarding displaced persons from northern Rakhine State was that in October and November 2016 and in August 2017, the ARSA terrorist group carried out simultaneous and coordinated attacks on police outposts and battalions in northern Rakhine State.

In addition, the terrorist group carried out killings of civil servants and local ethnic people. In a defensive response, the Tatmadaw had to undertake counter-terrorism measures. As a result of the threats and attacks by the ARSA terrorist group, local ethnic people fled to other towns and villages, while a large number of Bengalis crossed over to Bangladesh.

According to the records, more than 740,000 Bengalis resided in Buthidaung, Maungdaw and Rathedaung townships in Rakhine State prior to the ARSA terrorist attacks.

Following the incidents, more than 200,000 Bengalis remained in these areas whereas more than 540,000 Bengalis fled to Bangladesh. Based on these figures, the narrative referring to more than one million displaced persons from Rakhine State has been found to be inaccurate.

In order to repatriate the displaced persons, Myanmar concluded three bilateral agreements with Bangladesh within two months. In accordance with these agreements, Myanmar made necessary arrangements to receive the displaced persons on three occasions—on 23 January 2018 as agreed in the Arrangement, on 15 November 2018 as agreed at the Joint Working Group meeting, and on 22 August 2019 following notification from China and Bangladesh.

However, none of the displaced persons returned to Myanmar on the three occasions. Of the list of 828,824 displaced persons provided by Bangladesh, Myanmar had verified 426,545 individuals as of 31 July 2026.

Among those verified, 308,797 individuals were found to be former residents of Rakhine State, whereas 4,241 individuals were found to have been involved in terrorist activities, while the data of 113,507 individuals could not be verified.

In light of the figures mentioned above, Myanmar expresses its concern over allegations that all individuals residing in the camps in Bangladesh are from Myanmar. Myanmar categorically rejects the expression and allegations that “the boat people” and other persons who have arrived in other countries, using a nomenclature that falsely claims an ethnic identity which has never existed in Myanmar, originated from Myanmar.

Due to the immigration checks conducted in 1978, 1991 and 1992, some Bengalis from Rakhine State fled to Bangladesh. However, as per bilateral agreements between the two countries, Myanmar had successfully received 186,968 displaced persons between 1978 and 1979, and 236,495 displaced persons between 1992 and 2005.

Myanmar has made every effort with genuine goodwill for expeditious repatriation of verified displaced persons who had resided in Rakhine State. In preparation for receiving them under a Pilot Project, Myanmar organized one “Come-and-See” visit to Rakhine State, two “Go-and-Talk” visits to Bangladesh, two visits by Myanmar delegations to Bangladesh for in-person verification process and two diplomatic tours to observe the preparations for the Pilot Project.

In the spirit of good neighbourliness, Myanmar will continue to cooperate with Bangladesh to facilitate the voluntary return of verified displaced persons in a safe and dignified manner. The repatriation of displaced persons is a matter to be resolved between the two countries.

Therefore, Myanmar is deeply displeased with the wrong portrayal of the issue as an international issue. Myanmar will continue to cooperate constructively with friendly countries with regard to the repatriation of displaced persons. Myanmar will receive the displaced persons who have been verified as former residents of Rakhine State when the security situation in Rakhine State becomes more stable.