Rohingya crisis remains one of the most pressing humanitarian challenges of our time, with the country bearing the brunt of the fallout from this protracted conflict.
As the nation grapples with the staggering reality of hosting 1.3 million Rohingya refugees, the situation is exacerbated by a funding crisis and rising criminal activities.
The recent meeting between Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Bangladesh’s High Representative on Rohingya Issues, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres underscores the urgent need for a concerted international response.
Despite seven years of efforts, the repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar remains elusive.
The humanitarian conditions in Rakhine State are dire, with warnings of impending famine that could further destabilise the region.
The international community must not turn a blind eye to the suffering of these vulnerable populations.
The upcoming UN International Conference on Rohingya Muslims and other Minorities of Myanmar in 2025 presents a critical opportunity to address these issues head-on.
Dr. Rahman’s call for tangible measures to ensure a sustainable resolution is timely.
A report published in this newspaper on Sunday said, the need for unimpeded access to aid, free from violence and discrimination, is paramount.
The Secretary-General’s recognition of Bangladesh’s generosity in hosting the Rohingyas is commendable, yet words must translate into action.
The UN must mobilise resources and support initiatives that not only alleviate immediate suffering but also create conditions for the safe and dignified repatriation of refugees.
Moreover, the potential funding shortfall from USAID, following the suspension of aid under the previous US administration, poses a significant threat to ongoing humanitarian efforts.
Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser, Md. Touhid Hossain, has rightly indicated the need for alternative partnerships to address this gap.
The international community must step up, ensuring that aid flows freely to those in need.
As we look towards the future, it is imperative that the global community rallies around this crisis.
The Rohingya people deserve more than mere sympathy; they require decisive action and a commitment to their rights and dignity.
The upcoming conference must serve as a catalyst for change, fostering collaboration and innovative solutions to one of the most pressing humanitarian crises of our time.
The world cannot afford to stand idly by while the plight of the Rohingyas continues to unfold.
