Bangladesh has reaffirmed that the repatriation of displaced Rohingyas to their homeland Myanmar remains the only viable long-term solution to the crisis, calling for continued international support to ensure their safe return.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam made the comments during a meeting with UN Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari in New York on Thursday, according to the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations.
During the meeting, Bangladesh also reaffirmed its commitment to democratic governance, sustainable development, peacekeeping and multilateral cooperation.
The State Minister outlined the priorities of the newly elected government, including restoring public trust, strengthening institutions, enhancing transparency and accountability, improving public service delivery, and upholding human rights and the rule of law.
She also highlighted several social protection initiatives, including “Family Card” and “Farmers’ Card” programmes aimed at supporting vulnerable groups.
Emphasising Bangladesh’s role as one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping missions, Shama Obaed stressed the need to preserve peacekeeping mandates amid the ongoing liquidity crisis and called for greater participation of women and youth in post-conflict settings.
Khaled Khiari appreciated Bangladesh’s long-standing contribution to UN peacekeeping operations and its efforts to promote women’s participation in peace and security initiatives.