International conference on Rohingya issue to begin in Cox’s Bazar on August 25

Bangladesh will host a three-day international stakeholders’ conference in Cox’s Bazar from August 25, ahead of a high-level meeting on the Rohingya crisis scheduled for September 30 in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

The Cox’s Bazar event, to be held at Hotel Baywatch in Inani under Ukhia upazila, will mark the eighth anniversary of the Rohingya influx. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus is expected to attend as chief guest, alongside foreign ministers, international envoys on Rohingya affairs, representatives of Bangladesh missions abroad, and UN agencies.

Confirming the development, Cox’s Bazar Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Imran Hossain Sajeeb said the government has taken the initiative to mobilise international support, raise funds for the displaced Rohingyas, and strengthen efforts to facilitate their safe repatriation to Rakhine State, Myanmar.

The conference, titled “Partner Dialogue: Messages Received for Discussion at the High-Level Conference on the Rohingya Situation,” will include five working sessions on August 24 and 25, focusing on humanitarian aid and repatriation. Delegates will also attend cultural programmes, view an exhibition on refugee camps, and visit the camps on August 26.

National Security Adviser and High Representative on Rohingya Affairs Khalilur Rahman said the Cox’s Bazar dialogue forms part of preparations for the UN-led high-level conference on September 30, which was initiated following a call from Chief Adviser Yunus at last year’s UN General Assembly. The proposal was unanimously endorsed, with 106 countries sponsoring the event.

Additionally, another international conference on the Rohingya issue will take place in Doha, Qatar, on December 6.