Chief Adviser Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus has called for making the upcoming international conference on the Rohingya crisis a big success in an effort to put the decades-long humanitarian tragedy on the world map and mobilise more support for the long-persecuted Myanmar minority.
He made the call when Filippo Grandi, the head of the UN refugee agency, called on him at the state guest house Jamuna in Dhaka on Thursday, said a spokesperson for the CA Office.
"Let's make it a big success and resolve the issue. Let's hope something concrete comes out of it," asserted Dr Yunus.
"There should be a road towards the future. We have to make sure their future (Rohingya people) is guaranteed," he continued.
Mr Grandi, the UN high commissioner for the refugees, lent his support for the international meeting to be convened by the United Nations later this year.
"Let's put this issue on the map. The UN conference is a great way to put it back on the table," he said in reference to the Rohingya crisis.
"It should provide a much-needed platform to build confidence of various groups in Rakhine."
"We're happy to work with you," said Mr Grandi, hoping that the visit of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to Bangladesh in mid-March would create a new momentum for the issue.
During the meeting, they stressed finding ways to mobilise more financial support for the million-plus Rohingya refugees who live in camps in Bangladesh amid growing uncertainty over the new direction in US foreign policy.
They also discussed the humanitarian situation in Rakhine state where a major rebel group has long been fighting against the Myanmar forces.
A pause in hostilities is needed for providing humanitarian support to the people of the western Myanmar state, according to them.
This, in turn, will create new opportunities for the sustainable return of the Rohingya back to Rakhine.
Referring to certain humanitarian crises in Africa, the UNHCR chief said a lack of legitimacy of military dictatorships in the affected areas was hampering progress.
He praised the interim government for stepping up its efforts to offer universal education for the Rohingya children growing up in camps and allowing the refugees to build more durable shelters.
Dr Khalilur Rahman, the chief adviser's high representative for the Rohingya issue and priority affairs, also attended the meeting.
He briefed Mr Grandi on the initiatives of Bangladesh in support of the UN international conference and creating enabling conditions for the sustainable return of the Rohingya.
mirmostafiz@yahoo.com
