Dhaka:Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has urged the international community to take a more active role in addressing the Rohingya crisis and facilitating the sustainable return of displaced Myanmar nationals to their country.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Ahmed emphasized the need for stronger international engagement during a meeting with Julie Isabel Bishop, the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy on Myanmar. This meeting took place at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Bangladesh Secretariat.
The discussions between Ahmed and Bishop covered Myanmar's political and security situation, the various aspects of the Rohingya crisis, and efforts to repatriate displaced individuals. Ahmed highlighted the prolonged crisis Bangladesh faces after sheltering hundreds of thousands of forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals fleeing internal conflict.
Julie Bishop explained the ongoing conflict situation in Myanmar and her diplomatic efforts to end the conflict and ensure civilian protection. Concerns were also raised about landmines in border areas, human trafficking, and drug smuggling, along with their broader regional and global impacts.
Both parties agreed on the necessity of political dialogue and mutual cooperation to create an environment conducive to the safe, dignified, and voluntary return of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar.
The meeting was attended by several officials, including Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed, Additional Secretary of the Political and Immigration Wing of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Joint Secretary Rebka Khan, UN Resident Coordinator Carol Flore-Smereczniak, Senior Political Affairs Officer Duncan Keith Wilson, and UNHCR Deputy Representative Juliette Murekeyisoni.