Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday described the repatriation of Rohingyas as an extremely complex, sensitive and multidimensional international issue, saying its progress depends largely on the security situation in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, sustained international pressure and, above all, the willingness of the Myanmar authorities.
The prime minister made the remarks in a written reply to a question from Sirajganj-1 lawmaker Md Selim Reza during the budget session of the Jatiya Sangsad. The sitting was chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.
Responding to a question on the government’s plans and timeline for resolving the Rohingya crisis, the prime minister provided a detailed written statement outlining the government’s diplomatic efforts and policy priorities.
He said governments led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party had successfully addressed previous Rohingya crises that emerged in 1978 under former President Ziaur Rahman and in 1992 during the tenure of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.
Highlighting the current government’s diplomatic initiatives, the prime minister said Bangladesh is pursuing vigorous engagement at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels to facilitate the safe return of the displaced Rohingyas.
He said the government is maintaining regular coordination with various United Nations agencies, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), UN Women and the World Food Programme (WFP).
The prime minister also informed parliament that Bangladesh continues to extend moral support to The Gambia in its genocide case against Myanmar before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
He stressed that creating a stable environment in Rakhine State requires an effective dialogue between the Myanmar government and the Arakan Army. Bangladesh, he said, has intensified consultations with relevant countries to help create conditions conducive to such dialogue.
“The government’s primary objective is to begin a permanent, safe and sustainable repatriation process for the Rohingyas,” he said.
Referring to the situation inside the refugee camps, the prime minister said the government has taken carefully planned and pragmatic measures to maintain peace and security.
He said the National Committee on Coordination, Management and Law and Order relating to Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals, headed by the home minister, has been playing an active role in ensuring security and effective management of the camps.
He added that the National Task Force, comprising representatives from the foreign ministry, home ministry, the United Nations and other stakeholders, is continuously monitoring and coordinating field-level activities related to the Rohingya response.
