State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Sunday called for concerted international efforts to ensure that the Rohingya refugees’ 10-year stay in Bangladesh does not become 20 years, stressing that their long-term solution lies in a safe and dignified return to their homeland.
She made the remarks at a seminar titled “10 Years of the Rohingya Crisis: From Humanitarian Assistance to Sustainable Solutions” at a hotel in Dhaka.
Shama Obaed said the Rohingya deserve more than survival, including a future, a home, security, and the right to return to their homeland with dignity and peace.
“Bangladesh will stand by the Rohingya. But Bangladesh should not have to stand alone. Let us work together to create an environment for the Rohingya to return home safely, voluntarily, with dignity and hope,” she said.
She said the crisis was not merely a humanitarian obligation but also a political and moral responsibility that the international community must shoulder collectively.
The state minister said Bangladesh had previously gained experience in pursuing Rohingya repatriation in 1978 and 1992 under the leadership of President Ziaur Rahman and then prime minister Khaleda Zia.
“The situation today is much more complex. Yet the principle remains unchanged,” she said, adding that Bangladesh would continue working through bilateral and multilateral channels to facilitate a dignified and sustainable return.
Shama Obaed said humanitarian assistance should not become an excuse for international inaction.
“Bangladesh can provide shelter. Bangladesh can provide humanitarian assistance. Bangladesh can help preserve dignity. But humanitarian generosity cannot become an excuse for international inaction,” she said.
She also called on international partners not to allow humanitarian fatigue to turn into humanitarian abandonment, noting that food, nutrition, education, and protection were essential to the Rohingya and host communities.
The state minister said the needs of host communities in Cox’s Bazar must also be addressed, as they have shared land, resources, and communities with the refugees while facing impacts on their livelihoods and environment.
“Support for host communities is not an optional addition to the humanitarian response. It is an essential part of it,” she said.
Shama Obaed said humanitarian assistance alone could not resolve the crisis, emphasizing that the crisis originated in Myanmar and that a sustainable solution must ultimately be found there.
“The ultimate goal is the safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable return of the Rohingya to Rakhine State,” she said.
She said the Rohingya themselves had repeatedly expressed their desire to return to Myanmar and that their aspirations should be respected.
“A refugee camp should never become a permanent substitute for a homeland,” she said.
The state minister also called for an accelerated verification process based on agreed bilateral documents, including consideration of children born in the camps and those who arrived from Rakhine State since 2017.
“Accurate information is essential. Credible verification is essential, and a credible verification process can become an important confidence-building measure between the 2 sides,” she said.
She said Bangladesh would continue engaging through bilateral channels, the United Nations, regional mechanisms, and international partners.
Shama Obaed said Bangladesh had responded to a humanitarian emergency 10 years ago but was now facing a prolonged political crisis.
She expressed confidence that Bangladesh would be able to facilitate the return of the Rohingya to their homeland, citing the country’s previous experience with repatriation.
