Noting that a single Rohingya could not be repatriated to Myanmar in the last six years, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday cautioned that their prolonged stay in Bangladesh may pose threats to the security of the region and beyond.

Momen called upon the UNHCR and other UN agencies having presence in Myanmar to work with the Myanmar government towards creating a conducive environment in Rakhine state.

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He made the call when new country representative of UNHCR to Bangladesh Sumbul Rizvi presented her credentials to him at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The foreign minister welcomed the new country representative to Bangladesh and assured her of necessary supports of the government in executing her duties.

He appreciated the persistent engagement of the UNHCR in rendering the humanitarian operations for the Rohingyas temporarily sheltered in Bangladesh as well as for the host community.

The foreign minister highlighted the innumerable challenges Bangladesh has been facing in hosting more than 1.2 million forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals (Rohingya) in Bangladesh.

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The UNHCR representative expressed her gratitude to Bangladesh for its continued cooperation to the refugee agency.

Underscoring the need for repatriation of the Rohingyas temporarily sheltered in Bangladesh, she mentioned that the UNHCR would continue its sincere efforts in maintaining the humanitarian response to the Rohingyas.

She agreed with the foreign minister that the Rohingya issue must remain at the top of the global agenda.

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She also echoed Momen’s concern that concerted and meaningful efforts by the international community are required for ensuring sustainable repatriation of the displaced Rohingya people.