Dhaka: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday emphasized the necessity for robust international cooperation to achieve a swift and sustainable political resolution to the Rohingya crisis. Addressing a round-table discussion titled 'The Rohingya Crisis: Emerging Challenges and Reframing Response Strategies,' he urged the United Nations and international communities to keep the issue at the forefront of global agendas, ensuring it does not get overshadowed by other global conflicts.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Salahuddin highlighted the need for joint efforts and effective diplomacy by the international community to facilitate the rapid and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees to their homeland in Myanmar. The event, organized by the Institute for Global Cooperation Foundation (IGCF), was held at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) auditorium.
Salahuddin stressed that a permanent solution to the crisis is achievable with direct support from leading global political powers and the UN. He appealed to international human rights organizations, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and other relevant stakeholders to enhance their roles in resolving the crisis. The minister emphasized that the primary goal is to ensure the return of approximately 1.5 million Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMNs) currently sheltered in Bangladesh, with full dignity and security.
Highlighting the long-term impacts, Salahuddin noted that Bangladesh has been providing essential resources to over 1.5 million displaced Rohingyas on humanitarian grounds for over nine years. He expressed concerns over increasing criminal activities within the camps, which pose significant challenges to Bangladesh's internal security. He underscored the importance of security measures such as fencing around camps and regulated movement systems to safeguard both the Rohingya population and local communities.
Salahuddin reiterated the government's commitment, under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's leadership, to achieving successful repatriation. He mentioned the formation of a 'National Strategy Formulation Committee on Rohingya Affairs' and a high-level national committee for law and order, border management, and overall coordination, which he heads.
The minister warned that indefinite humanitarian assistance without a clear repatriation plan could diminish the urgency for a political solution. He advocated for a 'transitional strategy' aimed at establishing a safe environment in Myanmar's Rakhine State for the Rohingyas' return.
He expressed optimism that with sustainable international engagement, national unity, and a robust security framework, Bangladesh could ensure the dignified and permanent repatriation of Rohingyas. The event was attended by Prime Minister's Adviser on Public Administration Md Ismail Zabihullah and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, among others.