Dhaka urges early repatriation of Rohingyas

Dhaka has reiterated its call for the early, voluntary and safe repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian and security challenges posed by their prolonged displacement.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, raised the issue during a meeting with Dr Fatma Meriç Yilmaz, President of the Turkish Red Crescent, who paid a courtesy call at her office in Dhaka on Monday.

Recalling the recent visit of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to Bangladesh from 4-6 June 2026, the State Minister stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple areas, including engagement within regional and international forums.

She noted that Bangladesh continues to host more than 1.2 million forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar since 2017, describing it as a signi-ficant national burden.

She urged continued support from Türkiye and the wider international community to ensure a “voluntary, safe, dignified and sustained” repatriation process at the earliest possible time.

The Turkish Red Crescent President praised Bangladesh’s long-standing humanitarian role in sheltering the displaced Rohingya population.

She also outlined ongoing Turkish assistance, including food support, education initiatives, primary and emergency healthcare, sanitation services, and skills development programmes for refugees.

The State Minister expressed deep appreciation for Türkiye’s continued humanitarian engagement, describing it as an important contribution to alleviating the suffering of the Rohingya community in Bangladesh.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening humanitarian cooperation and maintaining close coordination on issues of mutual concern.