Rohingya crisis does not feature on BIMSTEC agenda as it is a political issue: SG

Rohingya crisis is not included in the agenda of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) as it is considered a 'political issue', stated Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey.

During a meeting with members of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the BIMSTEC Secretariat in Dhaka on Tuesday, Pandey explained that the agenda of the organization is collectively determined by its member states and currently does not encompass political matters.

"The agenda of BIMSTEC is established collectively by the member states. At this moment, as I have clarified, our agenda does not include issues that are political in nature. That is the current status of the situation," he remarked when asked if the organization could assist in addressing the Rohingya crisis.

Myanmar, the country of origin for the Rohingya refugees, is one of the seven member states of BIMSTEC.

Since fleeing a military crackdown in Myanmar in 2017, Bangladesh has been hosting over 1.1 million Rohingya refugees and has consistently called for enhanced international support to facilitate their safe, voluntary, and sustainable repatriation.

Just a day prior, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam had urged BIMSTEC to adopt a more proactive role in aiding the return of the refugees.

In response to inquiries on Tuesday, Pandey reaffirmed that BIMSTEC's mandate is focused on areas where all member states can collaborate.

"BIMSTEC enjoys the requisite political support of its members, focuses on forging tangible cooperation and stays away from political issues," he said.

The Secretary General also highlighted that BIMSTEC is undergoing reforms and revitalization efforts aimed at transforming it into "an efficient, effective, and dynamic regional organization."