Bangladesh urges stronger international action for Rohingya repatriation

Bangladesh has called for more effective international measures to ensure the safe and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar, alongside stronger protection of civilians and upholding international humanitarian law.

Foreign Affairs State Minister Shama Obaed Islam made the appeal on Friday (June 19) while speaking at a high-level panel discussion of the 2026 ECOSOC Humanitarian Affairs Segment held at the UN Headquarters in New York.

In her remarks, the minister stressed the need for enhanced accountability in cases of international humanitarian law violations, greater investment in conflict prevention, and improved coordination between humanitarian, peace, and development efforts.

She also raised concern over the rising use of technology-driven harassment and abuse targeting women and adolescent girls, calling for the establishment of a global platform to address such emerging threats.

Shama Obaed further highlighted the worsening funding constraints affecting Rohingya women and children, warning of their growing vulnerability in the protracted crisis. She reiterated Bangladesh’s call for sustained international cooperation and early repatriation of Rohingyas to their homeland.

On the sidelines of the event, she held a courtesy meeting with Vietnam’s Deputy Foreign Minister Dr Nguyen Minh Vu, where both sides exchanged views on bilateral cooperation and strengthening ties in multilateral forums.