The Department of International Relations of Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) and Armed Forces Division have jointly arranged a seminar titled "Repatriation of Rohingyas in Bangladesh: Strategic Implications on Regional Security and Ways Ahead" on 04 May 2025 (Sunday). The seminar took place at the Swadhinata Auditorium of BUP. The Hon'ble Foreign Affairs Adviser Mr. Md. Touhid Hossain, graced the event as the Chief Guest.At the same time, the National Security Adviser and High Representative on Rohingya Affairs, Dr. Khalilur Rahman, and the Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division, Lieutenant General S M Kamrul Hassan, BSP, NDC, HDMC, PSC, PhD were present as Special Guests. The seminar was also attended by diplomats, ambassadors, and military attachés from different countries, armed forces officials, experts on Rohingya issues, officials from various ministries/agencies, media personnel, and students of BUP. The key objective of the seminar was to identify the strategic impacts and challenges of Rohingya repatriation on regional security and to formulate future recommendations and courses of action based on expert deliberations and participant feedback.

The seminar commenced with a welcome address by the Vice Chancellor of BUP, Major General Md Mahbub-ul Alam, BSP, NDC, AFWC, PSC, MPhil, PhD. In his speech, the Principal Staff Officer of AFD highlighted the complexities arising from the growing influence of the Arakan Army in Myanmar's Rakhine State and the absence of effective governance in border areas. He stressed the importance of bilateral initiatives and coordinated efforts from the international community and regional stakeholders for a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis. In their addresses, the Hon'ble Foreign Affairs Adviser and the National Security Adviser emphasized the government's commitment to pursuing a durable solution to the Rohingya crisis through all possible means, including multidimensional diplomatic efforts. They underscored the importance of keeping the global spotlight on the Rohingya issue amidst other global conflicts and called for the formulation of a repatriation roadmap. They noted that any lasting solution must involve all three key stakeholders in Myanmar – the military junta, the Arakan Army, and the National Unity Government (NUG).

The keynote paper of the seminar was presented by Professor Dr. Shahab Enam Khan of the Department of International Relations, Jahangirnagar University. Additionally, Mr. Abu Salah Md. Yousuf, Research Director at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS), and Assistant Professor Md. Ataur Rahman Talukdar of the Department of International Relations, BUP, presented papers as panel discussants. Following the presentations, a summary and open discussion session was conducted by the former ambassador and President of Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI), Mr. M Humayun Kabir, where participants shared their views and recommendations on Rohingya repatriation. The seminar is expected to contribute to raising awareness in both military and civilian spheres and aid in formulating actionable steps regarding the future course of the Rohingya issue.