Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh A recent visit by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) Special Envoy to Myanmar, Ibrahim Khairat, has sparked controversy after reports emerged that he met with individuals linked to armed groups within the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar. The revelation has raised serious diplomatic and security concerns, given the OIC’s long-standing advocacy for Rohingya rights and its role in supporting the genocide case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Photographs shared by Khairat on his Facebook page on February 18 show him meeting with individuals affiliated with the Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO) and close associates of Dil Mohammed, a controversial figure known for his alleged ties with Myanmar’s military. The meeting has led to widespread speculation about the nature of the discussions and the potential implications for the region’s security dynamics.
Dil Mohammed is a well-known figure in the Rohingya refugee community, with allegations linking him to smuggling operations and recruitment efforts for armed groups. He has been accused of working closely with Myanmar’s military, which has been responsible for the systematic persecution of the Rohingya population. Reports suggest that he has played a significant role in mobilizing Rohingya youth to join armed factions that are engaged in fighting the Arakan Army, one of Myanmar’s most powerful ethnic armed groups currently battling the junta regime.
The OIC has been a key international actor advocating for the rights of the Rohingya, particularly through its support of The Gambia’s case against Myanmar at the ICJ, which accuses Myanmar of committing genocide against the Rohingya population. However, the meeting between Khairat and individuals linked to groups allegedly collaborating with the Myanmar military appears to contradict the OIC’s stated position on justice and accountability.
Human rights advocates and analysts have pointed out the concerning implications of such engagements. If the OIC’s special envoy is seen interacting with figures who have alleged ties to armed groups and Myanmar’s military, it could undermine the credibility of the organization’s efforts to hold Myanmar accountable for its actions.
Bangladesh has been hosting nearly a million Rohingya refugees since the military crackdown in Myanmar’s Rakhine State in 2017. The country has consistently called on international organizations, including the OIC, to support the repatriation of Rohingya refugees in a safe and dignified manner. However, reports of increasing militarization within the refugee camps have raised concerns about potential security risks.
Bangladesh has already expressed its concerns over armed groups operating within the camps, as well as the growing influence of criminal networks. The presence of figures associated with armed factions in an official meeting with the OIC envoy could further complicate Bangladesh’s position and raise questions about its ability to manage the refugee crisis effectively.
The implications of the meeting extend beyond the refugee camps. The Arakan Army, a powerful ethnic armed group fighting against Myanmar’s junta, could interpret the OIC’s engagement with RSO-linked figures as indirect support for their adversaries. This could lead to further escalation of violence in Rakhine State, complicating efforts to achieve stability in the region.
Moreover, international organizations and donor countries that support Bangladesh in managing the Rohingya crisis may seek further clarifications on the nature of the meeting. Any perceived alignment with armed groups, even unintentionally, could weaken international confidence in diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.
Despite the controversy, the OIC has not issued any official statement clarifying the purpose of the meeting. Meanwhile, the RSO has denied any formal involvement in the discussions. The lack of transparency has only fueled speculation, with many questioning whether the meeting was a diplomatic misstep or part of a larger strategy.
Meenakshi Ganguly, Deputy Director of Human Rights Watch’s Asia Division, has urged international organizations, including the OIC, to maintain a strong focus on justice and accountability. “World leaders and institutions advocating for Rohingya rights must ensure that their actions do not inadvertently lend legitimacy to groups working against the interests of the Rohingya people,” she said.
For Bangladesh, the meeting presents a diplomatic challenge. The country has been working to secure international support for the Rohingya repatriation process, but interactions between high-profile figures and controversial actors within the refugee camps could complicate these efforts. The situation also raises concerns about the role of various factions within the camps and their potential influence on broader regional security.
As the OIC remains silent on the issue, questions continue to arise about the organization’s engagement strategy and its long-term impact on the Rohingya crisis. The meeting has underscored the need for greater transparency in diplomatic interactions, particularly in conflict-sensitive areas where unintended alliances can have serious consequences.
For now, the controversy surrounding the OIC envoy’s visit serves as a stark reminder of the complex and fragile nature of the Rohingya crisis. As international stakeholders navigate the challenges of ensuring justice, security, and repatriation, the need for careful and strategic engagement has never been more critical.
