United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said his government is pursuing vigorous diplomatic efforts at the bilateral, regional and multilateral levels to secure an early and peaceful resolution to the Rohingya crisis. "The BNP government is carrying out strong diplomatic efforts on all bilateral, regional and multilateral fronts to resolve the Rohingya crisis at the earliest," he said while responding to a starred question from Sirajganj-1 lawmaker Md Selim Reza during the question-and-answer session in Parliament. Tarique also reiterated his government’s commitment to the safe, voluntary and sustainable repatriation of the displaced people to Myanmar. The Prime Minister said the government remains firmly committed to a peaceful and speedy solution to the Rohingya crisis. Recalling the role of former BNP governments, Tarique said the governments led by former President Ziaur Rahman in 1978 and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in 1992 successfully resolved earlier Rohingya crises through effective diplomatic initiatives, enabling displaced Rohingyas to return home within a short time. "We are following the same policy to find a sustainable, peaceful and swift solution," he said. The Prime Minister said the government is working actively to keep the Rohingya crisis at the centre of the global humanitarian agenda through regular engagement with the United Nations, foreign governments and international donor agencies. He said soon after the current government assumed office, high-level delegations from UNHCR, UN Women and the World Food Programme visited the Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar and discussed ways to strengthen humanitarian assistance. Tarique also referred to the recent visit of the Turkish foreign minister to Bangladesh, including a visit to the Rohingya camps, expressing hope that it would lead to increased humanitarian support from Türkiye. He said Bangladesh also supported last September's high-level UN conference aimed at accelerating the safe repatriation of displaced Rohingyas and would continue efforts to mobilise international opinion through similar global initiatives. The Prime Minister said Bangladesh continues its moral support for the case filed by The Gambia at the International Court of Justice, stressing the importance of justice and accountability in addressing the root causes of the crisis. He reiterated that the only durable solution lies in Myanmar's Rakhine State and said Bangladesh has stepped up diplomatic efforts to increase international pressure on Myanmar to create conditions for the safe, voluntary and sustainable return of the Rohingyas. Tarique said the government is maintaining contacts not only with Myanmar's military authorities but also with all relevant parties to facilitate repatriation. Confidence-building measures and the verification of Rohingya identities are also continuing, alongside third-country resettlement efforts. Describing the crisis as a complex and sensitive international issue, he said its resolution depends largely on the security situation in Rakhine, international pressure and the willingness of the Myanmar authorities. He also stressed the importance of creating a platform for dialogue between the Myanmar government and the Arakan Army to help restore stability in Rakhine. On the domestic front, the Prime Minister said the government has adopted practical and coordinated measures to maintain security in the Rohingya camps, preserve harmony with host communities and improve humanitarian assistance. He said a high-level national committee, led by the home minister, is actively coordinating law enforcement and management of the camps, while a National Task Force comprising relevant ministries, the United Nations and other stakeholders is overseeing humanitarian operations and efforts to accelerate repatriation. Tarique said the government remains committed to ensuring the dignified return of the forcibly displaced Rohingyas through a realistic and lasting solution.

Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States M Shahidul Islam has urged the United States to lead the international community to find a durable solution to the long-standing Rohingya crisis before it becomes a security threat for the entire Indo-Pacific Region. He expressed deep appreciation for the sustained humanitarian assistance and political support of the United States to the persecuted Rohingya population of Myanmar. Read Rohingya repatriation: Bangladesh seeks Sri Lanka’s support The Ambassador was addressing a function celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Independence and National Day of Bangladesh. The Embassy of Bangladesh in Washington DC celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Independence and National Day of Bangladesh with due respect and enthusiasm. At the beginning of the day's programme, Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States M Shahidul Islam, along with the guest of honour, State Department's Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs, Ervin Massinga, officially hoisted the national flag of Bangladesh. Also read: Let Rohingya children live as full members of society: Unicef Later, the Ambassador and the guest of honour placed a floral wreath at the bust of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. After playing of the national anthems of Bangladesh and the United States, a video message by the Prime Minister Shaikh Hasina was screened. Ambassador Shahidul Islam paid deep homage to the architect of independent Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and to the valiant freedom fighters who laid down their lives for the cause of Independence. Also read: Dhaka seeks global community's constructive role in early Rohingya repatriation Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Ervin Massinga extended greeting to the government and the people of Bangladesh. He said the USA sees Bangladesh as an important economic and security partner in the Indo Pacific. “Bangladesh has established itself as a leading voice on how climate change solutions must protect the most vulnerable. This leadership will contribute to a successful COP26," Ervin Massinga said. Read 1,800 more Rohingyas moved to Bhasan Char In the second part of the programme, the messages from President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam were read out. The day’s programme ended with a pleasant cultural program participated by the members of the Embassy family. On this auspicious occasion, the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken issued a press statement congratulating the people of Bangladesh. Read Rohingya-Relocation 5th phase relocation: 1070 Rohingyas sail for Bhashanchar “As we work together towards a safe and secure region and a healthy and prosperous future, we recognise the remarkable contributions Bangladesh has made to global development,” Blinken said in the statement.  Earlier, US President Joe Biden sent a congratulatory message to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Read Rohingya Camp Fire: Australia announces additional $10mn for affected people Biden said that Bangladesh’s hosting of one million Rohingyas is an example to the world of humanity and generosity. He also said the United States would continue to be a steadfast partner in finding a durable solution to the crisis. Read Japan to work towards early repatriation of Rohingyas: Envoy

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has urged the new US administration to play a leading role, both bilaterally and multilaterally, in bringing about a durable solution to the Rohingya crisis.

A total of 1,464 Rohingyas on Saturday left for Bhasan Char in the third phase from camps of Cox's Bazar, as part of the government’s initiative to relocate the ethnic group to the island.

The authorities concerned are all set to start the third phase of Rohingya relocation to Bhasan Char island from Friday.