Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged the Commonwealth countries to consider the Rohingya issue with utmost importance and exert pressure on the Myanmar government to cease the persecution on the Rohingya population and start their repatriation as soon as possible.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the 63rd Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) on Sunday, she said the inhumane persecution meted against the Rohingya people in Rakhine state, Myanmar had created instability in the regiond and beyond.
The ceremony took place at the South Plaza of Bangladesh Parliament.
As of October 31, 2017, over 607,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh since the violent crackdown by Myanmar military forces began in the Rakhine state – home to the ethnic minority group – in August.
Prime Minister Hasina said Bangladesh allowed the Rohingya people a temporary shelter on humanitarian grounds.
The vice-patron of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) further said the Rohingya crisis should be under special focus at the parliamentary sessions in all countries.
She also mentioned several other issues of global concerns, such as militancy and climate change.
She said her government’s campaign to combat militancy and terrorism has been as strong as the campaign against hunger and poverty.
“Militancy is not a problem in just one country; it is a global threat. Only a few days ago, eight lives were claimed on a New York road by a terrorist. We have to be united to rid the world of this menace,” she added.
On climate change, Hasina said Bangladesh had experienced heavy rainfall and recurring flood that washed away villages and croplands this year
“We expect immediate implementation of the promises made at different times to offset the adverse impacts of climate change,” she added.
Hasina also highlighted her government's motto to maintain friendly and cordial relationship with all countries, and enmity with no one.
She said her government was especially eager to maintain good terms with the neighbouring countries and had resolved many long-standing issues, such as the Ganges water-sharing treaty with India, and maritime boundary problems with both India and Myanmar.
The CPA and Bangladesh Parliament jointly organised the 63rd CPC in Dhaka this year with the theme “Continuing to enhance the high standards of performance of parliamentarians”.
“We parliamentarians, being the people's representatives, have the first and foremost obligations to preserved and maintain the faith of the people in democracy and parliamentary institutions,” the prime minister said.
At least 550 speakers, lawmakers and delegates from 144 Commonwealth member countries and provincials of 52 countries are attending the conference, which is scheduled to conclude on Wednesday.
The visiting parliamentarians are slated to discuss globally significant issues like climate change, refugee crisis and militancy and give recommendations solutions to resolve said issues.
Bangladesh Parliament Speaker CPA Chairperson Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury delivered the welcome speech at the inauguration, where messages from CPA Patron Queen Elizabeth II and Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Scotland were also read out.
The inauguration of 63rd CPC was marked by the presentation of a number of documentaries on Bangladesh's history, nature, livelihood and culture.
During the opening address, Bangladesh Speaker Shirin Sharmin said Bangladesh had significant progress in all the indicators, such as gender equality, women empowerment and reduction of poverty.
Thursday, June 04, 2026
