News Desk

Bangladesh has called on the international community to intensify its efforts to ensure the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar, emphasizing that the prolonged humanitarian crisis cannot be resolved without sustained global cooperation.

The appeal was made by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed during a bilateral meeting with United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary A. DiCarlo, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Tuesday (July 7, New York time), according to a press release issued by Bangladesh’s Home Ministry.

During the meeting, the Home Minister stressed that Bangladesh has continued to shoulder an enormous humanitarian burden by hosting more than a million Rohingya refugees who fled violence and persecution in neighboring Myanmar. He said that while Bangladesh remains committed to providing humanitarian assistance, the crisis requires a durable political solution centered on the refugees’ return to their homeland.

“Resolving the Rohingya crisis requires sustained and coordinated support from the international community to facilitate the refugees’ safe return to Myanmar,” Salahuddin Ahmed said, reiterating Bangladesh’s longstanding position that repatriation must be conducted in a manner that is safe, voluntary and dignified, in accordance with international standards.

The minister emphasized that meaningful progress would depend on stronger international engagement, continued diplomatic pressure and coordinated efforts to create conditions in Myanmar that would allow displaced Rohingya to return with security, rights and dignity.

Beyond the Rohingya issue, the discussions also focused on Bangladesh’s broader role in promoting international peace and stability. Salahuddin Ahmed outlined the country’s priorities in global peacekeeping and peacebuilding, reaffirming Bangladesh’s commitment to supporting United Nations initiatives aimed at conflict prevention, post-conflict recovery and sustainable peace.

Bangladesh has consistently been one of the world’s leading contributors to UN peacekeeping operations, with thousands of military and police personnel serving in missions across Africa, the Middle East and other regions. The Home Minister noted that the country’s participation reflects its commitment to international cooperation and collective security.

DiCarlo praised Bangladesh’s constructive and responsible engagement within the United Nations system, describing the country’s contributions to international peace, security and stability as significant and highly valued. She also commended Bangladesh for its longstanding commitment to global peacebuilding efforts and acknowledged its active role in supporting UN-led initiatives.

The meeting underscored the close cooperation between Bangladesh and the United Nations on humanitarian and peacebuilding issues, particularly at a time when regional conflicts and displacement continue to present major global challenges.

The Rohingya crisis remains one of the world’s most pressing humanitarian emergencies. Since the mass displacement from Myanmar in 2017, Bangladesh has hosted the vast majority of Rohingya refugees, primarily in camps located in the southeastern district of Cox’s Bazar. Despite repeated discussions and several repatriation initiatives, no large-scale return has taken place, largely due to concerns over security, citizenship rights and living conditions in Myanmar.

Bangladesh has repeatedly urged the international community to play a more proactive role in addressing the root causes of the crisis and creating an environment conducive to sustainable repatriation. The latest meeting at the United Nations reaffirmed the country’s position that only coordinated international action and lasting political solutions can pave the way for the safe return of Rohingya refugees while ensuring regional peace and stability.