Rohingya crisis, climate action dominate PM’s COP31 talks
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has sought stronger diplomatic support from the United Kingdom and Australia for the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar, while discussing climate cooperation, investment and economic ties with the two countries on the sidelines of COP31 in Türkiye.
Tarique held separate bilateral meetings with UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Antalya on Thursday.
During his meeting with Miliband, the Prime Minister called on the UK to play a more active diplomatic role in resolving the prolonged Rohingya crisis by creating conditions for the refugees to return to their homeland safely and with dignity.
He said Bangladesh had been hosting a large number of Rohingyas for nearly a decade, putting considerable pressure on its economy, society, culture and environment.
Their prolonged presence had also narrowed livelihood opportunities for local communities and could pose risks to regional security.
The two sides also discussed climate adaptation, migration, humanitarian challenges and ways to strengthen economic relations between Bangladesh and the UK.
In his meeting with Albanese, Tarique sought Australia’s support for climate-vulnerable countries, renewable energy expansion and the sustainable repatriation of Rohingya refugees.
He highlighted his government’s environmental initiatives, including a target to meet 20% of the country’s electricity demand from renewable sources by 2030, planting 250 million trees nationwide and undertaking canal excavation programmes.
The two leaders also discussed opportunities to expand Australian investment in Bangladesh, particularly in agriculture and other sectors.
Tarique invited Albanese to visit Bangladesh, while the Australian prime minister expressed hope of visiting next year at a mutually convenient time. Albanese also invited the Bangladesh prime minister to visit Australia.
The meetings reflect Dhaka’s efforts to strengthen international cooperation on the Rohingya crisis while expanding bilateral engagement in climate resilience, renewable energy, trade and investment.
Bangladesh has repeatedly called on the international community to maintain diplomatic pressure on Myanmar and help create conditions for the voluntary, safe and dignified return of Rohingya refugees.
The meetings took place during the World Leaders Climate Action Summit, held on November 11 and 12 as part of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya.
The 11-day conference began on November 9 and is scheduled to conclude on November 20, bringing together world leaders, policymakers, researchers and delegates from around 190 countries.