Bangladesh raises Rohingya crisis with Gambia, seeks stronger Qatar ties
Jeddah meetings also focused on LNG supplies and Maldives ties
Bangladesh discussed the Rohingya crisis with The Gambia and explored stronger cooperation with Qatar and the Maldives during separate bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the 23rd Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Extraordinary Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Jeddah.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kobir held the meetings yesterday (27 August) with Gambia's Attorney General and Minister of Justice Dawda A Jallow, Qatar's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi and Maldivian Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam.
Jallow said the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is expected to deliver its verdict in October 2026 in the case concerning the alleged genocide against the Rohingya in Myanmar.
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He said the verdict on accountability for atrocities committed against the Rohingya would play a critical role in finding a sustainable solution to the crisis.
Kobir appreciated The Gambia's leadership in pursuing accountability for the Rohingya before the ICJ.
He stressed the importance of close cooperation between Bangladesh and The Gambia, particularly during Bangladesh's foreign minister's presidency of the UN General Assembly, to keep the Rohingya crisis high on the global agenda.
He also called for efforts towards a comprehensive and sustainable solution, including the safe, dignified and voluntary return of the Rohingya to Myanmar.
LNG supplies discussed with Qatar
Kobir also met Qatar's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi.
Bangladesh reaffirmed its support for Qatar's mediation efforts between Iran and the United States and commended Doha's role in promoting dialogue, regional peace and stability.
Kobir requested Qatar to prioritise LNG supplies to Bangladesh once the Strait of Hormuz reopens and maritime movement resumes.
The Qatari state minister thanked Bangladesh for its support and expressed Qatar's readiness to further strengthen energy cooperation.
The two sides also discussed other bilateral issues.
Bangladesh, Maldives discuss bilateral ties
Kobir held a brief meeting with Maldivian Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam on the sidelines of the OIC meeting.
The two sides discussed bilateral issues and exchanged views on matters of mutual interest.
