Rohingya crisis now threat to national security: Home Minister

The Rohingya crisis has become a complex and sensitive issue that poses a threat to national security, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said.

The minister made the remark during a courtesy meeting with UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Carol Flore-Smereczniak at his office in the Secretariat on Saturday, May 23.

During the bilateral meeting, discussions were held on the country's law and order situation, resolving the Rohingya crisis, Bangladesh Police's growing participation in UN peacekeeping missions, implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, and increasing trade and investment.

The home minister highly praised the UN's support and cooperation in holding the 13th National Parliamentary Election in a free, fair, impartial and festive environment. Expressing gratitude for the UN's visible role in Bangladesh's various socio-economic and infrastructure developments, the minister expressed optimism that cooperation and bilateral partnership would be further deepened and strengthened in the near future.

The UN resident coordinator said the UN is continuously working as a partner in Bangladesh's overall development, prosperity and public welfare. The minister called for full and close cooperation from the UN for the timely implementation of the SDG targets.

The home minister noted that Bangladesh is internationally acclaimed as one of the world's top countries for sending peacekeepers to UN peacekeeping missions. Alongside the Bangladesh Army, a large number of Bangladesh Police members are serving with great dedication and professionalism in various UN peacekeeping missions, enhancing the country's image and prestige globally.

Referring to the Rohingya crisis, the minister said the UN has kept the Rohingya issue at the centre of global attention from the very beginning, which is highly commendable and promising. "Bangladesh has always believed in peaceful, dignified and sustainable migration. However, the Rohingya crisis has now become a complex and sensitive issue, posing a threat to our national security," he said firmly.

Stressing the need for broader and stronger international support and global funding under the UN umbrella to tackle this humanitarian and security crisis, he said several humanitarian projects for the forcibly displaced Myanmar citizens are currently ongoing through national and international organisations, but these are insufficient compared to the need.

The UN resident coordinator said the international community is closely observing Bangladesh's humanitarian example. It is not possible for Bangladesh alone to bear this long-term burden of such a huge number of refugees, she said, adding that the international community needs more attention, effective pressure and visible support to stand by Bangladesh.

The minister reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to respond to any UN call to protect global peace, security and harmony.