Hosting Rohingyas Has Become a Burden on Bangladesh’s Economy: Home Minister
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said that more than 1.5 million Rohingyas are actually living in Bangladesh, although the number shown in official records is lower. He said that hosting such a large number of Rohingyas for a long time has become a major burden on Bangladesh’s economy.
He made the remarks during a courtesy meeting with Kelly E. Currie, the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar, at the Home Ministry on Wednesday (November 11).
During the meeting, they discussed the current political and human rights situation in Myanmar, the safe and dignified return of Rohingyas living in Bangladesh, border security, and the overall law and order situation in the Rohingya camps.
The Home Minister said the main goal of all international efforts should be to ensure the safe, voluntary and dignified return of Rohingyas to their own country, Myanmar.
He also called for a responsible role from the international community after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) gives its verdict on the case related to the genocide of Rohingyas in Myanmar on November 19.
UN Special Rapporteur Kelly E. Currie praised the Bangladesh government for providing humanitarian shelter and services to displaced Rohingya refugees for a long time.
She spoke about the long history of human rights violations against the Rohingya people. She said the United Nations and its international partners are working to create a suitable environment for their return. They are also working to ensure citizenship and basic rights for Rohingyas in their own country.
The meeting also discussed increasing the ability of law enforcement agencies to prevent drugs, arms smuggling and cybercrime in areas near the Rohingya camps. The two sides also discussed providing necessary training and modern technological support to the agencies.
The meeting stressed the need for joint efforts by influential countries, including China, India, the United States and the European Union, to put diplomatic pressure on the Myanmar government.
Thomas Huneke, who accompanied the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar, Additional Secretary of the Political and Immigration Wing Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed, Joint Secretary of Political-1 Wing Rebecca Khan and others were present at the meeting.
