The Chief Advisor urges Qatar to take an active role in Rohingya repatriation and mobilizing international funding

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today called on Qatar to take a more assertive stance in pressing Myanmar to begin the long-delayed repatriation of the Rohingya population. He also urged Qatar to lead efforts within the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to mobilize additional humanitarian funding for the displaced community.

Speaking at a high-level roundtable titled "Social and Environmental Challenges Around Forcibly Displaced Populations – The Case of the Rohingya" on the second day of his official visit to Qatar, Prof Yunus emphasized that Qatar is uniquely positioned to leverage its diplomatic influence. “Qatar can use its good offices to put pressure on Myanmar for starting repatriation of Rohingya people without any further delay,” he said during the event held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Doha.

Highlighting the shifting global geopolitical landscape, he noted that Qatar could play a key role in demonstrating solidarity, advocating within the OIC, and rallying the international community to intensify efforts toward Rohingya repatriation. He also acknowledged Qatar’s early and consistent support for the Rohingya since the crisis erupted in 2017.

Prof Yunus praised Qatar’s diplomatic leadership, recalling Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani’s strong call at the 72nd UN General Assembly for Myanmar to end violence against the Rohingya, ensure their safety, and recognize their full rights as citizens. He also commended Qatar Charity’s ongoing humanitarian work in Bangladesh’s Rohingya camps, which includes aid for over 234,000 refugees through medical services, educational support, cooking fuel, and shelter construction.

In particular, he highlighted the environmental benefits of Qatar Charity’s LPG gas cylinder distribution, which has so far reached 23,000 refugees, and urged further expansion of such programs. He also cited the recent ‘Livelihood’ agricultural project launched in Bhasan Char in June 2023 as an example of Qatar’s long-term commitment.

Referencing a meeting on December 9, 2024, between Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman and Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, Prof Yunus reiterated that repatriation remains a pressing global responsibility. Dr Khulaifi reaffirmed Qatar’s dedication to supporting the Rohingyas, both from a humanitarian perspective and a shared commitment of faith.

The roundtable was attended by senior Bangladeshi officials including Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman, Energy Adviser Mohammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Principal Coordinator on SDG Affairs Lamiya Morshed, and Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. Also present was Qatar Foundation CEO Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, who hosted the Earthna Summit and is the sister of the Emir.