Only solution is safe return of Rohingyas to Myanmar: PM at UNGA

Highlights

• Tarique urges stronger international support to resolve the Rohingya crisis.
• Bangladesh shelters over 1.2 million displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar.
• Prolonged Rohingya presence strains Bangladesh's resources and environment.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called for stronger international support for resolving the Rohingya crisis, saying the only solution is the safe return of the displaced Rohingya population to Myanmar.

"For more than nine years, Bangladesh has been providing shelter to more than 1.2 million forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar," Tarique said while addressing the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York today (25 September).

He said the prolonged presence of the Rohingyas had placed "immense pressure" on Bangladesh's resources, environment, security, and local communities.

"Bangladesh, a densely populated country, believes that the source and origin of the Rohingya crisis lie in Myanmar; therefore, its solution also lies there," the prime minister said.

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"The only solution to this problem is the safe return of the displaced Rohingya population to their homeland, Myanmar," he added.

Tarique called on the United Nations and the international community to provide "firm and effective support" for a lasting solution to the crisis.

He also urged the UN and international community to continue life-saving assistance programmes for the displaced Rohingya population until they are repatriated to Myanmar.

"If the international community fails to ensure justice for the displaced Rohingya population, this may turn into a humanitarian crisis in the near future," he warned.