Rohingya crisis now wider security, migration concern: State Min Humaiun

The prolonged Rohingya crisis has evolved beyond a humanitarian concern, with wider security and irregular migration implications, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said Tuesday, calling for stronger international efforts to ensure the early and dignified return of the refugees to Myanmar.

He made the remarks when a visiting delegation led by Apsana Begum MP, chair of the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Bangladesh, paid a courtesy call on him at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The delegation included Shockat Adam MP and Lord Qurban Hussain, a member of the House of Lords.

Humaiun welcomed the delegation and appreciated the APPG’s continued interest in strengthening Bangladesh-UK relations. He also highlighted the UK government’s support for Bangladesh’s democratic consolidation and reform initiatives.

Describing the APPG as an important bridge between the UK Parliament, Bangladesh and the British-Bangladeshi community, the state minister sought its support in facilitating greater engagement with the UK Parliament to convey Bangladesh’s progress and the realities on the ground.

The delegation is scheduled to visit Rohingya camps on Wednesday and expressed support for efforts to address the plight of the refugees.

The delegation also pledged to continue raising the Rohingyas’ concerns in international forums, including the UK Parliament, and support continued humanitarian assistance and their sustainable repatriation to Myanmar, according to the Foreign Ministry.

The discussions also covered stronger parliamentary cooperation and exchanges between Bangladesh and the UK, as well as trade and investment, migration, skills mobilisation and human rights.

The two sides exchanged views on regional and global issues and expressed interest in continuing cooperation through relevant bilateral and multilateral channels.