Rohingya return is a complex issue

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has described Rohingya repatriation as an extremely complex, sensitive and multidimensional international issue as its progress depends largely on the security situation in Myanmar's Rakhine State, sustained international pressure and, above all, willingness of the Myanmar authorities.

The prime minister made the remarks Wednesday in written reply to a question from Sirajganj-1 lawmaker Md Selim Reza during the ongoing budget session of the Jatiya Sangsad. Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed was in the chair.

Responding to the question on government plans and timeline for resolving the Rohingya crisis, he provided a detailed scripted statement outlining the government's diplomatic efforts and policy priorities.

He mentioned that governments led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party had successfully addressed previous Rohingya crises that emerged in 1978 under former President Ziaur Rahman and in 1992 during the tenure of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

Highlighting the current government's diplomatic initiatives, the prime minister said, "Bangladesh is pursuing vigorous engagement at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels to facilitate the safe return of the displaced Rohingya."

The government is maintaining regular coordination with various United Nations agencies, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), UN Women and the World Food Programme (WFP).

The prime minister has also informed parliament that Bangladesh continues to extend moral support to Gambia in its genocide case against Myanmar before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com