After verifying around 350,000 records, Myanmar claims approximately 250,000 individuals as its citizens.

In a significant parliamentary disclosure, Myanmar authorities have confirmed that they have recognised approximately 253,964 Rohingya individuals as former residents of Myanmar after verifying a portion of data submitted by Bangladesh. The update sheds new light on the ongoing, complex repatriation dialogue between the two countries.

The information was presented in the Jatiya Sangsad during the weekly question-and-answer session on Monday. The reply was given by the State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shamama Obaid Islam, in the absence of Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman. The session began at 3:30 pm under the chairmanship of Deputy Speaker Kaisar Kamal.

According to official figures, Bangladesh has so far forwarded details of 829,036 Rohingya individuals to Myanmar in six separate phases as part of a structured verification process intended to facilitate eventual repatriation. Myanmar has completed verification for 354,751 of these individuals up to January 2026.

Among those verified, a substantial proportion have been acknowledged as previously residing in Myanmar, marking a key—though limited—step in the long-stalled repatriation process.

Verification Overview

Officials noted that out of the verified group, around 250,000 individuals have been confirmed as Myanmar nationals or former residents, reflecting partial acceptance of the repatriation lists submitted by Bangladesh.

Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, in remarks read out in parliament, emphasised that Bangladesh continues to engage with Myanmar through regular data verification mechanisms. He recalled that earlier repatriation efforts had taken place in 1978 and 1992, though those returns were limited in scale.

He further stressed that the present situation in Myanmar, particularly ongoing internal conflict and instability, has made immediate repatriation impossible. Bangladesh, however, maintains that the only sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis lies in safe, voluntary, and dignified return to their homeland.

Dhaka, he said, continues to pursue diplomatic, legal, and humanitarian initiatives while seeking stronger international engagement to resolve the crisis. The government has also reiterated its support for accountability mechanisms at the global level, including proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague in the case of The Gambia v. Myanmar, which concerns allegations of genocide against the Rohingya population. Bangladesh has decided to extend financial assistance to support the legal process.

Beyond the Rohingya issue, the ministry also outlined broader foreign policy and economic diplomacy objectives. Bangladesh is actively working to expand export markets beyond traditional destinations such as Europe and North America, with increasing focus on emerging economies in the Middle East, Africa, South America, South-East Asia, and Eastern Europe.

Negotiations are reportedly underway for preferential trade agreements (PTAs) and free trade agreements (FTAs) with several prospective partners. These initiatives are expected to diversify export destinations and strengthen bilateral economic ties.

The government also highlighted its commitment to export diversification, aiming to reduce reliance on the ready-made garments sector by expanding into higher-value and diversified product categories. At the same time, embassies are intensifying “diaspora engagement” programmes to encourage overseas Bangladeshis to contribute more actively to national development.

In separate parliamentary responses, it was noted that Bangladesh’s labour force stood at over 710 million people according to the 2024 Labour Force Survey, with approximately 1.36 million new entrants joining the workforce annually. A fresh labour survey is planned for 2026 to update these figures and guide future employment policy.