Rohingya refugees demand rights and safe return on eighth anniversary of exodus

In Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, tens of thousands of Rohingya refugees gathered on August 25, 2025, to commemorate the eighth anniversary of their exodus from Myanmar. The event took place in Kutupalong, one of the largest refugee camps, where attendees held banners demanding an end to their refugee life and calling for repatriation as the ultimate solution. This gathering was marked as 'Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day,' reflecting their struggle since a violent crackdown in Myanmar began in August 2017, which led to a significant influx of refugees as they fled violence and persecution from the military and insurgent groups. The refugees expressed their frustration and desire to return to their homeland in Rakhine state with equal rights alongside other ethnic groups in Myanmar. Among them was Nur Aziz, a 19-year-old who emphasized their longing for citizenship rights akin to those enjoyed by others within Myanmar. During the same period, Bangladesh's interim leader, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, addressed an ongoing three-day conference focused on the crisis, urging the international community to support the refugees and facilitate their safe repatriation to Myanmar. The harsh reality of their living conditions in Bangladesh was underscored by reports of aid cuts and the ongoing instability within Myanmar, particularly in Rakhine state, which remains volatile. The complexities of the refugee situation are compounded by previous violent incidents, prompting Bangladesh to seek international assistance and pressure on Myanmar to ensure the safe return of the Rohingya people. Despite the Bangladesh government's efforts, the return process has faced significant challenges, leading to limited progress toward a resolution and raising further concerns regarding human rights and the safety of the displaced individuals. These events highlight the continued plight of the Rohingya refugees as they call for recognition and rights that have long been denied to them. As the eighth anniversary of their tragic journey unfolds, the quest for a peaceful solution and the restoration of their dignity remains fervently alive among those affected by the ongoing crisis.