Bangladesh seeks international cooperation for Rohingya repatriation

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid has said Bangladesh seeks international cooperation for the safe, dignified and voluntary repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar.

She said this at a climate-related seminar at the CIRDAP building in the capital on Tuesday, September 15.

State Minister Shama Obaid said Bangladesh has been sheltering 1.3 million Rohingyas for nearly a decade, creating additional environmental pressure on a climate-vulnerable region. Therefore, Bangladesh seeks international cooperation for the safe, dignified and voluntary repatriation of the Rohingyas to Myanmar.

The state minister said the Prime Minister will seek international cooperation for Rohingya repatriation and addressing environmental disasters at the upcoming COP conference. Additionally, Bangladesh will highlight four demands at the 81st UN General Assembly session, including making climate finance more grant-based.

In response to a question from journalists, Shama Obaid said Bangladesh wants climate finance as effective support, not as loans. Additionally, jute products will be highlighted globally as environmentally friendly and biodegradable natural fibre.

She further said jute can play an important role in tackling the climate crisis.

She also expressed hope that, in line with the government's political commitment, effective steps will continue to address climate change.