State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir on Tuesday underscored that the protracted Rohingya crisis has evolved beyond a humanitarian concern, with wider security and irregular migration implications and called for stronger international efforts towards the early and dignified return of the Rohingyas to Myanmar.
He made the remarks when a visiting delegation led by Chair of the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Bangladesh Apsana Begum MP paid a courtesy call on the State Minister at the Ministry.
The delegation also comprised of Shockat Adam MP and Lord Qurban Hussain, Member of the House of Lords.
The state minister welcomed the delegation and appreciated the APPG’s continued interest in strengthening Bangladesh-UK relations.
The state minister highlighted the UK government’s support toward Bangladesh’s democratic consolidation and reform initiatives.
Acknowledging the role of APPG as a bridge between the UK Parliament, Bangladesh and the British-Bangladeshi community, the State Minister sought the APPG’s support in facilitating greater engagement with the UK Parliament in conveying Bangladesh’s progress and ground realities.
Apprising that the delegation will be visiting the Rohingya camps on Wednesday, the APPG delegation affirmed their support to address the plight of the Rohingya community.
The delegation reassured to keep their voice high in different international mechanisms including in the UK Parliament for continuing humanitarian assistance and for their sustainable repatriation to their homeland, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The discussions focused on strengthening parliamentary cooperation and exchanges between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom, alongside issues of mutual interest including democratic consolidation, trade and investment, migration, skill mobilization and human rights.
The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues and expressed their interest in continuing cooperation through relevant bilateral and multilateral channels.