Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has sought continued support from the international community for a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis and the dignified return of the displaced people to their homeland in Myanmar.
He made the call during a meeting with Julie Bishop, Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General on Myanmar, at the Hyatt Grand Central New York hotel on Tuesday, said PM’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon.
The meeting focused on the Rohingya crisis and the need for an effective role by the international community in resolving the long-standing problem
“The Prime Minister sought international cooperation to ensure the safe and dignified return of the Rohingyas to their homeland,” Rumon said.
The meeting took place as the Prime Minister is in New York to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, where the Rohingya crisis is among the issues receiving particular attention during his visit.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the UN Irene Khan, Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin and Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam were present at the meeting.
On Wednesday, Tarique Rahman is scheduled to join a high-level side event on the Rohingya crisis titled “The Rohingya Crisis: A Renewed Call for a Durable Solution from Protracted Displacement, with Justice and Accountability.”
Bangladesh and The Gambia are co-hosting the event, with the European Union as a co-sponsor.
The event is intended to renew international political and humanitarian support for resolving the crisis, strengthen accountability efforts and support conditions for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of Rohingyas to Myanmar.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has also called for sustained international support for Bangladesh and other refugee-hosting countries and for efforts to address the root causes of the Rohingya crisis and create conditions for voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable returns.
Julie Bishop, who serves as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Myanmar, has been engaging stakeholders on the Myanmar crisis and the Rohingya issue.
During his New York visit, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is holding a series of bilateral and high-level meetings on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. He is scheduled to deliver his maiden address at the General Assembly on September 24.