[Today’s Prayer] Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh Protest for Safe Repatriation on “8th Anniversary of Myanmar Escape”

Tens of thousands of Rohingya refugees residing in Bangladesh held protests demanding guaranteed safe repatriation on the 8th anniversary of fleeing Myanmar.

On the 26th, AP and other sources reported that the refugees held a large-scale demonstration in Cox’s Bazar, southeastern Bangladesh, where refugee camps are located.

Participants carried placards reading, “We can no longer live as refugees” and “Repatriation is the ultimate solution”, marking the protest as the self-designated “Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day.”

19-year-old Nur Aziz, one of the participants, told AP, “We want to return to our country and enjoy the same rights as other ethnic groups.”

Meanwhile, Muhammad Yunus, the chief advisor of Bangladesh’s interim government (equivalent to a prime minister), called on the international community to actively ensure the safe repatriation of refugees during a speech at an international conference in Cox’s Bazar on the same day.

The Rohingya, a minority Muslim group persecuted for a long time in predominantly Buddhist Myanmar, began fleeing to Bangladesh in large numbers on August 25, 2017, to escape military repression. Then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina opened the border and accepted the refugees.

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Since 2017, Bangladesh has attempted at least two repatriation efforts, urging the international community to pressure Myanmar’s military government to create a peaceful environment for returning refugees.

However, instability in Myanmar, particularly in Rakhine State—the Rohingya’s homeland—has prevented these repatriation attempts.

Refugees in Bangladesh are also facing growing difficulties due to reduced donations. Yunus acknowledged that the Bangladeshi government can no longer allocate domestic resources to fully address the Rohingya refugee issue.

Source: Yonhap News

“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly and despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before Him.” (1 Corinthians 1:27-28)

Lord, King of all nations, we hear that tens of thousands of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh have protested for guaranteed safe repatriation. They wish to return to Myanmar and live with equal rights, yet in reality, they have nowhere to go. Have mercy on the Rohingya, O Lord.

May the Rohingya, searching for stability and guaranteed rights, now seek and find You, their true King. Lord, reign over them at this time.

Let the gospel of life be proclaimed among the Rohingya, and lead them to experience the great love of Jesus and the grace of salvation, which they have never known anywhere else.

Bless Bangladesh as they assist the Rohingya with the gospel. Let them serve and help the Rohingya through Christ’s message.

May the global church also take notice, pray, and serve the Rohingya through the gospel.

Lord, who chooses the foolish, weak, lowly, and despised to confound the world, we trust that when the Rohingya rise with the gospel, they will become an uncontainable people. Make them a nation that serves Bangladesh, Myanmar, and all peoples with the gospel.

Raise the Rohingya as a strong people within God’s kingdom, preparing the way for the Lord’s return alongside all nations!