UNHCR commits to continuing its assistance to Bangladesh

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

The commitment was conveyed 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 press release issued by the ministry.

During the meeting, the Foreign Secretary congratulated Ms. Rizvi on the successful completion of her tenure in Bangladesh and commended her dedicated efforts in providing humanitarian aid to the Rohingya population residing in the country.

He also recalled the recent visits of the UN Secretary-General and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar.

Highlighting the challenges faced by the host communities, the Foreign Secretary noted the adverse impacts of the prolonged stay of Rohingyas, including the rise in criminal activities such as drug trafficking and human smuggling.

He reiterated that the only sustainable solution to the crisis lies in the safe and voluntary repatriation of the Rohingya people.

Both sides also shared their perspectives on the current situation in Myanmar’s Rakhine State and discussed the upcoming High-Level Conference on the Rohingya Crisis.