Over 1.5 Million Rohingya Sheltering in Bangladesh, Says Home Minister

More than 1.5 million Rohingya are currently taking shelter in Bangladesh, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said, noting that the actual figure is higher than the number recorded in official government documents.

He also said that providing shelter and humanitarian assistance to such a large population for an extended period has placed considerable pressure on Bangladesh's economy.

The minister made the remarks during a courtesy meeting with Kelly E. Currie, the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar, at his office at the Ministry of Home Affairs in the Secretariat on Wednesday.

The meeting discussed Myanmar's ongoing political and human rights situation, Rohingya repatriation, border security and law and order in refugee camps.

Salahuddin Ahmed stressed that the sustainable resolution of the Rohingya crisis requires their safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation to Myanmar. He called for coordinated initiatives and effective engagement from the international community to achieve this goal.

He also urged the international community to play a responsible role following the November 19 verdict in the genocide case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

During the meeting, Currie praised the Bangladesh government for providing humanitarian shelter and assistance to Rohingya refugees over the years. She also highlighted past human rights violations committed against the Rohingya community.

She said the United Nations and its international partners were working to create conditions for the safe return of the Rohingya and to ensure their citizenship and fundamental rights in Myanmar.

The meeting also placed emphasis on strengthening law enforcement agencies' capacity to combat drug and arms trafficking, as well as cybercrime in areas surrounding the Rohingya camps.

Discussions were held on providing necessary training, modern technology and technical assistance to enhance the capabilities of law enforcement agencies.

The need for coordinated initiatives by influential international actors, including China, India, the United States and the European Union, to increase diplomatic pressure on Myanmar was also highlighted.

Among those present at the meeting were Thomas Hunecke, a member of the UN special rapporteur's delegation; Dr Ziauddin Ahmed, additional secretary of the Political and Immigration Affairs Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs; and Rebecca Khan, joint secretary of the Political-1 Wing, along with other relevant officials.