Dhaka: State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has asserted that resolving the prolonged Rohingya crisis is a collective political and moral responsibility of the international community, emphasizing that Bangladesh should not be left to shoulder the burden alone. "Bangladesh will continue to stand with them, but Bangladesh should not have to stand alone," she stated.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Shama made these remarks as the chief guest at a dialogue titled "Rohingya Crisis Entering 10 Years: From Humanitarian Response to Sustainable Solutions", organized by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) and Oxfam in Bangladesh. She highlighted the need for reflection, reckoning, and renewed action as the crisis approaches its ten-year mark, warning against the risk of another decade passing without a sustainable solution.
Shama elaborated on the implications of the prolonged crisis, noting that while for governments and institutions it represents a cycle or horizon, for those affected it means a lost childhood, disrupted education, and a generation living in uncertainty. She stressed that 10 years should not turn into 20, urging the international community to shoulder the responsibility collectively.
Since the Rohingya influx in 2017, Bangladesh has provided refuge to over 1.2 million displaced individuals despite its own challenges, including limited resources and high population density. The minister pointed out that this generosity should not excuse international inaction, as Bangladesh cannot resolve a crisis it did not create. She also addressed the decline in international funding, emphasizing that essential needs like food, nutrition, and education should not be compromised.
Shama highlighted the extraordinary burden on the people of Cox's Bazar, whose services and environment have been strained by the crisis. She called for support for host communities to be treated as a core component of the humanitarian response. While appreciating international contributions, she reiterated that a lasting solution must come from Myanmar, with the Rohingyas safely and voluntarily returning to their homeland.
She called for an expedited verification process for the displaced, including those born in camps post-2017, which could build confidence between Bangladesh and Myanmar. Shama also emphasized continued engagement through various channels to facilitate repatriation and expressed hope for concrete actions from China following commitments during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit.
The state minister stressed that responsibility sharing must lead to action, predictable financing, sustained diplomacy, and ultimately a durable solution. She expressed confidence in the government's ability to pursue repatriation, citing past experiences of successful Rohingya repatriation in 1978 and 1992.
Addressing journalists, Shama underscored the media's vital role in ensuring the crisis remains on the international agenda by shaping global understanding through responsible journalism. She called for a transition from relief to resilience, urging for a future where the Rohingya can return to their homeland with dignity and safety.
The dialogue also featured remarks from DCAB President AKM Moinuddin, Oxfam in Bangladesh Interim Country Director Anil Pant, and other notable figures, including presentations on the decade-long crisis, WASH systems, and a documentary screening.