Sustainable and dignified repatriation of Rohingyas is the permanent solution: Home Minister

During the meeting, discussions were held on Myanmar's current political and human rights situation, the dignified repatriation of Rohingyas who have taken shelter in Bangladesh, border security, and the overall law and order situation in the Rohingya camps.

The Home Minister said that although official documents show a lower number of Rohingyas, in reality more than 1.5 million Rohingyas are staying in Bangladesh. Sheltering this huge population for a long time has become a huge burden on Bangladesh's economy. The main objective of all international efforts should be to ensure the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of Rohingyas to their own country.

He called on the international community to play a responsible role after the verdict of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the case related to the Rohingya genocide in Myanmar is announced on November 19.

Special Rapporteur Kelly E. Carey highly praised the Bangladesh government for providing humanitarian shelter and services to displaced Rohingya refugees for a long time. She said that the UN and its international partners are working to ensure citizenship and fundamental rights for Rohingyas in their own country, as well as to create an appropriate environment for repatriation.

At the meeting, positive discussions were held on training and modern technological support to increase the capacity of law enforcement agencies to curb drug and arms trafficking and cybercrime in areas adjacent to the Rohingya camps. Besides, there was a call for coordinated initiatives by influential countries including China, India, the United States and the European Union to create diplomatic pressure on Myanmar.

Thomas Hunecke, who accompanied the Special Rapporteur on the visit, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed and Joint Secretary Rebecca Khan were present at the meeting.