Ensure conducive environment for quick return of Rohingyas: Shama

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam called upon the United Nations, Association of Southeast Asian Nations development partners and other international stakeholders to support practical, confidence-building and humanitarian-development initiatives in Rakhine State of Myanmar.

She emphasized creating conducive conditions in Myanmar's Rakhine State, with the required security measures and the rights of the Rohingyas in place, so that those now taking shelter in Bangladesh can return to their place of origin safely.

Speaking at a programme in the city as the special guest, Shama Obaed made these call saying "We need appropriate conditions there. We need security there; we need respect for identity (Rohingyas) and rights there. We need legal recognition for the Rohingyas there; we need freedom of movement there; we need access to livelihoods, education and healthcare." 

Bangladesh is currently hosting over 1.3 million Rohingyas in Cox's Bazar and Bhasan Char Island, and not a single Rohingya refugee has officially been returned to their homes in Rakhine since the biggest influx witnessed in August 2017.

Regarding bilateral engagement with Myanmar, Shama Obaed said Bangladesh has prioritised expediting the verification process of the Rohingyas to move towards actual repatriation.

"Verification cannot become an open-ended administrative exercise. We need to expedite verification based on the existing bilateral arrangements while addressing the practical realities of those born in the camps and those who have arrived from Rakhine since 2017," she said.

The State Minister said the establishment of the National Strategy Formulation Committee on Rohingya Affairs under the Prime Minister's leadership is a strategic way forward and demonstrates the highest level of political commitment.

"The committee's objective is to develop a coordinated strategy for swift and sustainable repatriation, bringing together relevant ministries, agencies and security institutions," she said.