Calls for resolving Rohingya crisis and strengthening cooperation in UN Peacekeeping Missions

The UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh, Carol Flore-Smereczniaik, paid a courtesy call on Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed at his office room in the Ministry of Home Affairs at the Bangladesh Secretariat today.

During the bilateral meeting, held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere, detailed discussions were held on various issues of mutual interest and bilateral cooperation, including the country's law and order and security situation, resolving the Rohingya crisis, the increasing participation of Bangladesh Police in UN peacekeeping missions, implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and boosting trade, business, and investment.

During the meeting, the Minister highly praised the United Nations' support and cooperation in holding the 13th National Parliamentary Election in a free, fair, neutral, and festive atmosphere. Expressing gratitude for the visible role of the UN in various socio-economic and infrastructural developments of Bangladesh, the Minister expressed hope that this cooperation and bilateral partnership would become deeper, more consolidated, and dynamic in the near future.

In response, the Resident Coordinator stated that the United Nations has been working uninterruptedly as a partner for the overall development, prosperity, and welfare of the people of Bangladesh. She sought the Minister's valuable views and suggestions to identify strategic areas to further broaden and streamline the existing relations between Bangladesh and the United Nations. At this time, the Minister sought the full and intensive cooperation of the UN to timely implement the targets of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Bangladesh.

The Home Minister noted that Bangladesh is internationally acclaimed as one of the world's leading troop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping missions. Along with the Bangladesh Army, a large number of members of the Bangladesh Police are performing their duties with great dedication and professionalism in various UN peacekeeping missions, which has brightened the image and prestige of the country in the global arena.

Referring to the Rohingya crisis, the Minister said that the UN has kept the Rohingya issue at the center of the global community's attention since the beginning, which is highly commendable and encouraging. He stated firmly, “Bangladesh always believes in peaceful, dignified, and sustainable migration. However, the Rohingya crisis has now turned into a complex and sensitive issue, posing a threat to our national security.” Pointing out that Bangladesh needs broader and stronger international support and global funding under the UN umbrella to tackle this humanitarian and security crisis, he added that currently, some humanitarian projects for the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals are ongoing through a few national and international agencies, but these are inadequate compared to the needs.

Praising the immense generosity and unique solidarity of the Government and people of Bangladesh towards the Rohingya population, UN Resident Coordinator Carol Flore-Smereczniaik stated that the international community is closely observing this humanitarian example set by Bangladesh. Expressing a realistic assessment, she said that it is impossible for Bangladesh alone to bear the long-term burden of such a massive number of refugees. She opined that more attention, effective pressure, and visible support from the international community are required to stand by Bangladesh in this regard.

In conclusion, the Minister expressed a firm commitment that Bangladesh is always pledged to respond to any call of the United Nations to maintain global peace, security, and harmony.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Home Minister extended a warm welcome to the UN Resident Coordinator for her tenure in Bangladesh. The Resident Coordinator offered her heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the Home Minister on assuming his new portfolio.

The meeting was attended, among others, by Louise Barber, Head of Office of the UN Resident Coordinator's Office in Bangladesh; Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed, Additional Secretary of the Political Wing of the Ministry of Home Affairs; Rebeka Khan, Joint Secretary of the Political-1 Branch; and Begum Minara Nazmin, Deputy Secretary of the Political-1 Section.