United News of Bangladesh

Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday attended the Foreign Ministers' preparatory meeting for the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit in Doha, convened to discuss Israel’s recent military attack on the State of Qatar. The meeting was chaired by Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Qatar is hosting the two-day summit of Arab and Muslim leaders to formulate a joint response following what it called Israel’s “cowardly” aggression against Doha. Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hissein Brahim Taha and Secretary General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit also addressed the meeting, according to a statement from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Foreign Adviser Hossain, who arrived in Doha on Sunday morning, is leading the Bangladesh delegation. The delegation includes Additional Foreign Secretary M Forhadul Islam, Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the OIC MJH Jabed, and Bangladesh Ambassador to Qatar Mohammad Hazrat Ali Khan. The government of Bangladesh on Wednesday unequivocally condemned the recent Israeli military aggression against Qatar. Such actions constitute a clear violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Qatar, as well as of international law and the principles of the UN Charter, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement. Bangladesh called upon the international community, particularly the United Nations and relevant stakeholders to take appropriate measures to ensure accountability and to uphold respect for international law and the UN Charter. Bangladesh said it stands in steadfast solidarity with the government and people of the brotherly State of Qatar in the face of this unlawful and unprovoked attack. This incident is yet another indication of Israel’s continued disregard for regional stability, international peace, and established international norms, Bangladesh said in its statement. "Such actions undermine global efforts towards peace and security," the statement read.

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has said the recent ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to dismiss the preliminary objections of Myanmar would contribute to mobilizing the necessary momentum for effective international action. The organization, collective voice of the Muslim world, said the ICJ ruling would also provide more support for the Rohingya people and contribute to finding a final solution to their constant affliction. The OIC General Secretariat called on the international community to stand firm with the Rohingya people in their plight. Read: Rohingya Crisis: Japan for considering third-country resettlement in parallel to repatriation On 25 August 2017, Myanmar’s military started carrying out violent operations against the Rohingya population in Northern Rakhine State, which resulted in grave crimes under international law and forced hundreds of thousands to flee. Five years later, Rohingyas in Rakhine State still lack freedom of movement and other basic rights such as access to adequate food, healthcare and education, said the OIC. "This anniversary is a reminder that the crimes committed against Rohingya call for accountability," it said. The OIC paid tribute to the government and people of Bangladesh for their relentless efforts to provide protection, hospitality, and necessary assistance to Rohingya refugees who have been living in Bangladesh for the past five years. It appreciated the international support, including by OIC Member States, for the cause of these Refugees. The OIC General Secretariat reiterated the OIC’s firm support for the Rohingya people. It called on the international community to stand firm with them in their plight, and to redouble efforts to protect their fundamental human rights, including their right to full citizenship, and to ensure favourable conditions for the safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable return of all Rohingya refugees and internally displaced persons to their homeland.

Bangladesh has invited the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Member States to join the celebrations commemorating the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman throughout the year.