Jamaat-e-Islami on Sunday proposed the establishment of an independent Arakan State for the Rohingya population during a meeting with a delegation from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) at a hotel in Dhaka.

Addressing the media following the discussion, Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Md Taher stated that the plight of 1.2 million Rohingya refugees living in Bangladesh must be addressed with a permanent solution rather than temporary humanitarian aid.

"Providing food and shelter is not a lasting answer. The real solution lies in resettling the Rohingyas in their own homeland, through the creation of an independent Arakan State," Taher said.

Highlighting China’s strong ties with Myanmar, he noted, "China is best positioned to play a pivotal role in achieving this solution."

The dialogue also touched on regional security issues, with Taher stressing the need for peaceful coexistence among neighboring countries.

Describing the meeting as a party-to-party engagement, Taher said it was a significant step towards strengthening ties between Jamaat-e-Islami and the Chinese Communist Party.

Jamaat also advocated for increased Chinese investment in major infrastructure projects in Bangladesh, including the construction of the Teesta Barrage, a second Padma Bridge, and a deep-sea port to bolster the blue economy. Additionally, the delegation requested more educational scholarships for Bangladeshi students to study in China.

Regarding elections and national reforms, Taher said the Chinese officials inquired about the timeline for upcoming polls and whether Jamaat supported the schedule announced by the chief adviser.

Taher noted that the Chinese side reiterated their longstanding policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations, assuring that the same principle would apply to Bangladesh.

The CCP delegation was headed by Peng Jiubin from the Southeast and South Asian Affairs Bureau of the International Department of the party’s Central Committee.

The Jamaat delegation included assistant secretary generals Rafiqul Islam Khan and Ehsanul Mahbub Zobayer, Publicity Secretary Matiur Rahman Akand, and Executive Council members Muhammad Selim Uddin and Nurul Islam Bulbul.