PM Seeks Global Support for Dignified Rohingya Repatriation

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on the international community to extend stronger support for the dignified repatriation of Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar and help find a sustainable solution to the prolonged crisis.

The prime minister made the appeal on Tuesday when Julie Bishop, Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General on Myanmar, paid a courtesy call on him in New York, where he is attending the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

During the meeting, Tarique Rahman stressed the importance of continued international cooperation to facilitate the safe and dignified return of Rohingyas and resolve the crisis, according to PM’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman.

The two sides also discussed the role of the international community in addressing the Rohingya crisis, including efforts to create conditions conducive to their eventual return to Myanmar.

The meeting comes ahead of a high-level Rohingya crisis side event scheduled for Wednesday at UN Headquarters, co-hosted by Bangladesh and The Gambia. The event will focus on finding a durable solution to the protracted displacement, along with justice and accountability.

Bangladesh has consistently called for the safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable return of Rohingyas to Myanmar, where the crisis originated. The country is currently hosting about 1.2 million Rohingya refugees, placing significant humanitarian, economic and environmental pressure on Bangladesh. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on September 24.