UNHCR reaffirms ongoing cooperation with Bangladesh

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has reiterated its continued support to Bangladesh, particularly in addressing the ongoing Rohingya crisis.

This assurance came during a farewell meeting between the outgoing UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh, Sumbul Rizvi, and Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, according to a statement released by the ministry.

During the meeting, the Foreign Secretary extended his congratulations to Ms. Rizvi on the successful completion of her tenure and commended her contributions in delivering humanitarian assistance to the displaced Rohingya population residing in Bangladesh.

He also recalled recent visits by the UN Secretary-General and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to the Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar, noting the significance of these engagements in keeping global attention focused on the crisis.

The Foreign Secretary highlighted the growing challenges faced by the host community in Cox's Bazar due to the prolonged stay of the Rohingyas. He expressed concern over the rise in criminal activities such as drug trafficking and human smuggling, which have increasingly affected the local population.

Emphasizing that voluntary repatriation remains the only sustainable solution to the crisis, he called for continued international efforts to create a conducive environment for safe and dignified return of the Rohingyas to their homeland.

Both parties also exchanged views on the current developments in Myanmar’s Rakhine State and discussed the forthcoming High-level Conference on the Rohingya Crisis.