PM Seeks UK Support for Rohingya Repatriation and Climate Finance
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman met with UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband on the sidelines of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Turkey. The bilateral meeting took place on Thursday (November 12) on the sidelines of the summit.
Discussions focused on safe and dignified Rohingya repatriation, UK assistance for Bangladesh’s climate adaptation efforts, migration management, and strengthening bilateral economic ties. Prime Minister Rahman urged the UK to play a more proactive diplomatic role in ensuring a safe, voluntary, and dignified return of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar, emphasizing the need for sustained international diplomatic efforts to reach a lasting solution.
He highlighted that Bangladesh, a densely populated nation, has faced significant socio-economic, environmental, and cultural strain from hosting a large refugee population for nearly a decade. He noted that prolonged displacement risks impacting local livelihoods and posing regional security challenges. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the Bangladesh-UK strategic partnership across climate action, humanitarian response, migration management, and economic cooperation.
