COX’S BAZAR : Cox’s Bazar, Aug 25 (UNB) - Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday placed seven-point proposals, seeking collective efforts for charting a practical roadmap for the speedy, safe, dignified, voluntary and sustainable return of the Rohingyas to their homes in Rakhine as soon as possible, reports UNB.

“We must not be held hostage to mere rhetoric. The time for action is now,” he said while speaking as the chief guest at the ‘Stakeholders Dialogue’ here.

Prof Yunus said it is not only the responsibility of Bangladesh but also of the international community to share the burden of the Rohingya crisis, to reflect on the possible solutions and to play an active role in implementing them.

He said the Rohingya issue and its sustainable resolution must be kept alive on the global agenda as they need support until they return home.

In that spirit of solidarity, during the last Ramadan in March this year, the Secretary General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres and Prof Yunus joined over one hundred thousand Rohingyas in an Iftar in Cox’s Bazar.

“We clearly heard Rohingyas’ keen desire to return home as soon as possible,” Prof Yunus said.

The special session, as part of the three-day conference, began at 11am that called for joint efforts to ensure sustainable peace in Myanmar and in the region, dignified repatriation of the Rohingyas, addressing the challenges on multiple fronts.

A one-minute silence was observed on the occasion of ‘Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day.’ A documentary was also screened on the Rohingya crisis.

Speaking at the event, High Representative for the Rohingya Issue and National Security Adviser of Bangladesh Dr Khalilur Rahman called for concrete international action to ensure safe and dignified repatriation of the Rohingyas to their place of origin in Myanmar.

“We need to continue what we are doing,” Khalilur Rahman said.

Adviser for Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief Faruk E Azam, Bir Protik, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, Assistant High Commissioner for Operations and Assistant Secretary-General, UNHCR Raouf Mazou among others spoke.

Seven Proposals are: Right to Return: Ensure Rohingyas’ speedy, safe, voluntary and sustainable repatriation to Rakhine without delay. Sustained Aid: Donors must fill gaps in the 2025-26 Joint Response Plan and guarantee long-term funding. End Violence: Myanmar authorities and Arakan Army must stop attacks, ensure Rohingya security, prevent new outflows, and allow IDPs to return home. Dialogue: Establish a platform for inclusive dialogue to reduce tensions, restore rights, and promote reconciliation.  Global  and  Regional Role: ASEAN, neighbours, and the international community must foster peace, stability, and combat cross-border crimes. Oppose Ethnic Cleansing: Stakeholders must stand firmly against ethnic cleansing and calibrate relations with Myanmar and conflict parties. Accountability: Strengthen ICJ and ICC processes, implement ICJ measures, and deliver justice for genocide and crimes against humanity. Prof Yunus said the Rohingya crisis emanated from Myanmar and the solution also lies there.

“All parties must act to end the crisis with greater resolve without any further delay,” he said, adding that “Your solidarity with the Rohingya voice could be a beacon of hope for them in reversing their marginalization and persecution as the starting point of their return to their homeland.”