Dhaka:Secretary (Bilateral) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Md Nazrul Islam, on Wednesday voiced 'deep concern' over the worsening human rights situation in Myanmar, with a particular focus on the plight of the Rohingyas.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Dr. Nazrul highlighted the 'grave situation' in Rakhine State, characterized by ongoing violence and forced displacement. During a meeting with UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Kelley E. Currie, he discussed Bangladesh's ongoing humanitarian support for approximately 1.5 million forcibly displaced Rohingyas.
Dr. Nazrul emphasized the necessity of the Rohingyas' early repatriation to their places of origin in Myanmar as the only viable solution. He stressed the importance of creating conditions conducive to repatriation, ensuring unhindered humanitarian access, and mobilizing sustained international support for both the Rohingyas and affected host communities.
At the meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Secretary congratulated Currie on her new mandate and welcomed her to Bangladesh. Currie expressed gratitude to the Bangladeshi government for allowing her to visit and commended the country's longstanding generosity in hosting a large number of forcibly displaced Rohingyas despite resource constraints.
Currie recognized the challenges faced by Bangladesh as a host country and underscored the need for sustained international attention to the Rohingyas' plight and efforts to find a durable resolution to the crisis. The Secretary assured Currie of Bangladesh's full cooperation during her visit and ongoing support for her mandate.
Currie, who was appointed by the UN Human Rights Council in March 2026, is conducting a visit to Bangladesh from November 11 to 18. During her visit, she will assess the impact of Myanmar's deteriorating human rights situation on Bangladesh and explore opportunities for future cooperation. Although she requested to visit Myanmar, authorities there were not ready to accommodate her visit.
Currie will present her next report to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2027.