Dhaka: State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam emphasized the necessity of establishing conducive conditions in Myanmar's Rakhine State to ensure the safe return of Rohingya refugees currently residing in Bangladesh. Speaking at a city program, she highlighted the need for appropriate security measures and the protection of Rohingya rights, including identity recognition, freedom of movement, and access to essential services such as education and healthcare.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the State Minister urged international entities, including the United Nations (UN), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and other development partners, to support humanitarian-development initiatives in Rakhine. Bangladesh hosts over 1.3 million Rohingyas, primarily in Cox's Bazar and Bhasan Char Island, with no official returns to Rakhine since the major influx in August 2017.
The roundtable discussion titled 'The Rohingya Crisis: Emerging Challenges and Reframing Response Strategies' was organized by the Institute for Global Cooperation Foundation (IGCF) at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS). Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and Prime Minister's Adviser on Public Administration Md Ismail Zabihullah also participated.
Shama Obaed called for stronger international engagement to ensure that any return does not lead to another cycle of displacement, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation dialogues. She expressed optimism that with determined diplomacy and sustained international support, Bangladesh can achieve the goal of repatriation.
Bangladesh's diplomatic efforts involve bilateral engagement with Myanmar and collaboration with international partners, including the UN, ASEAN, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The objective is to maintain global attention, strengthen humanitarian support, and create favorable conditions for Rohingya repatriation.
The State Minister underscored the urgency of expediting the verification process of Rohingyas for repatriation, stressing that it should not become an open-ended administrative task. The National Strategy Formulation Committee on Rohingya Affairs, led by the Prime Minister, aims to develop a coordinated strategy for swift repatriation.
Acknowledging the humanitarian aspect of the crisis, Shama Obaed noted the challenges posed by declining international funding and urged donors to enhance their efforts. She stressed the importance of maintaining the humanitarian character of Bangladesh's response while preventing further displacement.
The roundtable featured several notable speakers, including UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh Ivo Freijsen, BIISS Director General Major General A S M Ridwanur Rahman, and other academics and experts. IGCF CEO Chowdhury Adnan Rahman delivered the welcome address, with North South University's Prof Dr Bulbul Siddiqi moderating the event.