President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Thursday urged the international community to step up efforts to resolve the ongoing Rohingya crisis, which continues to strain Bangladesh’s economy and environment.

The President made this appeal while receiving credentials from newly appointed non-resident ambassadors of Belarus and Estonia, as well as the non-resident High Commissioner of Uganda, during a formal ceremony at Bangabhaban.

The Rohingya crisis has been a major challenge for Bangladesh, with President Shahabuddin highlighting the burden the country faces from hosting nearly a million displaced Rohingyas. The international community’s cooperation is essential to ensure the dignified repatriation of these forcibly displaced Myanmar citizens, the President stressed, reiterating Bangladesh’s long-standing call for global intervention on the issue.

The President’s Press Secretary, Joynal Abedin, briefed reporters following the ceremony, where a contingent of the Presidential Guard Regiment offered a guard of honor to the arriving diplomats.

President urges all regardless of religions, castes to work for prosperous Bangladesh

The newly appointed Ambassador of Belarus, Mikhail Kasko, was the first to present his credentials, followed by Estonian Ambassador Marje Luup and Uganda's High Commissioner Joyce Kakuramatsi Kikafunda.

Welcoming the diplomats, President Shahabuddin emphasized Bangladesh’s commitment to enhancing bilateral relations with their respective countries. He highlighted the country’s booming export sectors, including ready-made garments, pharmaceuticals, ceramics, and leather products, urging the ambassadors to explore opportunities to increase imports from Bangladesh.

The President encouraged investors from Belarus, Estonia, and Uganda to explore sectors such as the country’s special economic zones.

He further underscored the importance of exchanging visits between government officials and business delegations from these nations to strengthen cooperation.

In response, the diplomats expressed their readiness to work towards building stronger economic and diplomatic ties with Bangladesh. They also sought the President's continued support in advancing trade and investment initiatives between Bangladesh and their respective countries.

High-ranking officials, including the Secretary of the President's Office, Nasimul Ghani, Military Secretary Major General Mohammad Adil Chowdhury, and Press Secretary Joynal Abedin, were present during the ceremony.