Dhaka: State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir on Thursday emphasized the need for the international community to transition from mere expressions of solidarity to ensuring shared responsibility and sustained political engagement to resolve the ongoing Rohingya crisis. Speaking as the chief guest at a conference at the Foreign Service Academy, Kobir highlighted the urgency of finding a solution to the crisis, stating that nine years of displacement should not normalize the situation but instead make resolving it more pressing.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Bangladesh has provided refuge to over one million forcibly displaced Rohingya from Myanmar since the significant influx in 2017. Kobir acknowledged the substantial strain this has put on Bangladesh's economy, environment, public services, local communities, and national security. He stressed that while Bangladesh has shown 'humanitarian responsibility and leadership,' the responsibility should not be assumed to be limitless. Kobir emphasized that the crisis is not one that Bangladesh created, nor should it be expected to resolve it alone.
Kobir outlined the need for predictable and consistent humanitarian financing, alongside meaningful support for host communities. He advocated for structured regional cooperation and focused engagement with Myanmar to address the root causes of the displacement. Kobir also differentiated between humanitarian assistance, which manages the consequences of displacement, and a political solution, which can end displacement.
The state minister emphasized the goal of a safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable return of the Rohingya to Myanmar, underscoring the need for conditions that ensure security, rights, dignity, and a hopeful future for returnees. Kobir called for a comprehensive regional approach involving ASEAN, the United Nations, and regional countries, combining humanitarian action with diplomacy, accountability, development, resource mobilization, and political dialogue.
Kobir also announced Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's initiative to establish the National Strategy Formulation Committee on the Rohingya issue, which aims to unite diplomatic, humanitarian, and security institutions under a cohesive framework. He urged young diplomats and students to see diplomacy as a tool for creating possibilities and highlighted Bangladesh's commitment, as presiding over the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, to keep the Rohingya crisis prominent on international agendas.
In closing, Kobir reiterated Bangladesh's intention to collaborate with key stakeholders, including China and Myanmar, to achieve a peaceful and sustainable resolution to the crisis. He expressed hope that the conference would contribute to a better understanding and coherent strategy for resolving the crisis.
The conference also featured speeches from Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith, UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh Ivo Freijsen, and Professor Dr. ASM Ali Ashraf. The UNHCR Representative made three appeals for continued international solidarity, investment in education and skills development, and renewed diplomatic engagement to address the root causes of displacement in Myanmar, aiming for safe and sustainable return conditions.