Dhaka seeks stronger UN role in resolving Rohingya crisis

Bangladesh has sought stronger role from the United Nation in resolving the Rohingya crisis and ensure voluntary, safe and dignified return of Rohingyas to their homeland from Bangladesh.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam made the request during his meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the UN headquarters in New York.

Appreciating the UN role in resolving the Rohingya crisis, the State Minister also requested the UN chief to expedite the appointment process of new UN envoy on Myanmar issues.

He also re-invited the UN Secretary General to visit Bangladesh, said a press release on Saturday.

UN chief Guterres highly appreciated Bangladesh’s role, specially efforts from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for sheltering Rohingyas and extending humanitarian support to them.

He said the UN remains committed to ensure voluntary, safe and dignified return of Rohingyas to their homeland. 

The UN chief assured the State Minister of continuing his efforts to find a solution to the Rohingya crisis. 

Meanwhile, spokesman for the UN Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric said Rohingyas will have to be allowed to go exactly their homes and not some other locations where they may be forced to return. 

In a regular briefing on Friday, he said their repatriation needs to be done in a safe, dignified manner that respects their rights as refugees, their rights as human beings.

Dujarric said they have a country team in Myanmar and they are continuing their work.  "Our position remains the same…the Secretary-General stands for the implementation of the Annan Commission’s report.”

Guterres also appreciated Bangladesh’s socioeconomic progress.

The State Minister thanked the UN chief for attending the International Water Decade inaugural session where he appreciated Sheikh Hasina’s various initiatives. 

Shahriar Alam also held meeting with Under-Secretary-General of United Nations Counter-Terrorism Office Vladimir Ivanovich Voronkov, 

He thanked Vladimir for extending strong support to Bangladesh through United Nations Counter-Terrorism Office.

Vladimir appreciated Bangladesh’s efforts towards combatting terrorism assured Bangladesh of extending required supports. 

Meanwhile, the State Minister held a meeting with Permanent Representative of Azerbaijan in the UN Ambassador Yashar Teymur oglu Aliyev and discussed various bilateral and multilateral issues.

Source: unb