FM calls to resolve Rohingya crisis in true spirit of burden sharing

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has underscored the need for unity and concerted efforts of the international community to resolve the Rohingya crisis in all its dimensions, in the true spirit of responsibility and burden sharing.
 
He made the suggestion at a bilateral meeting with UN Secretary General's Special Envoy on Myanmar Noeleen Heyzer held on Tuesday at the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the UN in New York, according to a press release received in Dhaka on Wednesday (March 22, 2023).
 
During the meeting, the Bangladesh foreign minister urged the Special Envoy to increase her engagements with Myanmar authorities as well as others stakeholders in improving the conditions in Rakhine so that the Rohingyas can return to their homes without delay.
 
He particularly emphasized on addressing root causes of the crisis which lie in Myanmar.

Referring to the resolutions adopted by the General Assembly and the Security Council on Myanmar, Momen called upon the Special Envoy to continue taking a multi-pronged approach and remain engaged with all global and regional actors including ASEAN leadership, with a view to fostering lasting peace in Myanmar.
 
The foreign minister highlighted the various humanitarian initiatives and skill development programs undertaken by the Bangladesh government at the temporary shelter of Rohingyas at Cox's Bazaar and Bhashan Char, including the introduction of Myanmar curriculum-based education in those camps.
 
Momen urged the Special Envoy to mobilize adequate funding from the international community to provide for the Rohingyas especially in meeting their most urgent needs, such as, food and shelter.
 
"If given opportunities, the Rohingya people can be important members of Myanmar society and contribute in their socio-economic prosperity", he added.
 
Momen acknowledged with deep appreciation the important mandate and role of the Special Envoy and assured her of Bangladesh's full support.

In return, the Special Envoy reassured the foreign minister to work closely with Bangladesh in securing a lasting solution of the Rohingya crisis.
 
Later, the Foreign Minister met with King Willem-Alexander of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Emomali Rahmon, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, at a high-level working dinner hosted by Netherlands and Tajikistan as the co-hosts of the Water Conference.

Momen is leading a Bangladesh delegation to the UN 2023 Water Conference in New York from 22 to 24 March.