Touhid urges UN to play critical role for Rohingya solution

Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has urged the United Nations (UN) to play critical role in bringing a lasting solution to the protracted Rohingya crisis that has been impacting Bangladesh in many ways. 

He made the call when Special Envoy of the UN Secretary General on Myanmar Julie Bishop met him at his office yesterday (23 February), according to a foreign ministry's press release today. 

During the meeting, the foreign adviser thanked Bishop for her visit to Bangladesh and appreciated the continued support extended by the UN to the Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh. 

Hossain shared deep concern that failing to bring a sustainable solution to this crisis will not only affect Myanmar and Bangladesh, but also further destabilize the peace and security of the whole region. 

Bishop stressed that she was working to keep the focus of the international community on the issue and hoped that the UN conference, proposed by Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus will generate enough momentum for meaningful efforts from the international community. 

She emphasised on having an early political settlement in Myanmar that would lead to return of the Rohingya to their respective country. 

Hossain urged the international community to enhance pressure on Myanmar to end conflicts and bring peace within the country. 

The neighbouring countries can play a significant role in rebuilding Myanmar and it would need support from all, he added. 

The dignitaries agreed to work together in bringing a lasting outcome from the UN conference to be held this year on the Rohingya and other minority issues. 

Bishop is visiting Bangladesh on a two-day programme and she is travelling to Coxs Bazar today to see the Rohingya camps.