The interim government is seeking global consensus for the prompt repatriation of Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar, considering it an urgent need, Dr Khalilur Rahman, high representative on Rohingya issues and priority affairs to the chief adviser, said at an international conference in Qatar.
“We urge the global community to build a consensus for the prompt repatriation of Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar,” he was quoted as saying in a foreign ministry statement during the ongoing Doha Forum at the Sheraton Hotel in Qatar’s capital.
Khalilur also called for strong international cooperation to address the Rohingya crisis during a session titled "Bangladesh at a Crossroads: Governance, Democratic Reforms, and the Post-Sheikh Hasina Trajectory."
A pre-recorded six-minute video message from Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus was screened at the start of the session on the forum’s second day, attended by Qatar's minister of state for higher education.
Khalilur explained that Bangladesh has continued to shelter nearly 1.2 million Rohingyas for the past seven years purely on humanitarian grounds, despite facing significant challenges.
He expressed hope that a special UN conference on the Rohingya issue, scheduled for next year, would accelerate the repatriation process through collaboration among stakeholders.
Khalilur also addressed the socio-political challenges within Bangladesh, including the aftermath of the student-led July-August mass uprising against the deposed premier Sheikh Hasina’s “fascist regime.”
He highlighted incidents of violence, including brutal crackdowns, killings, and injuries inflicted on peaceful protesters.
He emphasized that the interim government was leading efforts to rebuild the nation on the foundations of democracy and equality in light of the revolutionary movement.
“The interim government is working towards systemic reforms to realize this potential. When children of farmers, labourers, or marginalized communities can dream of leading the nation, we will know meaningful progress has been made,” Khalilur said.
Rahman also discussed Bangladesh-India relations, criticizing misinformation campaigns and urging India to take a more responsible role as a neighbour during Bangladesh's critical transition to democracy.
He expressed hope that Monday's meeting between the foreign secretaries of Bangladesh and India would pave the way for improved bilateral relations based on mutual respect.
