Rohingya crisis: Dhaka flags rising security challenges with Canadian delegation

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain today (12 November) said the prolonged concentration of displaced Rohingyas in camps has created rising security challenges, including human trafficking, smuggling of drugs, arms and ammunition, which are affecting both the camps and the host communities.

He expressed concern over the declining global attention and funding for the crisis, and called for Canada's assistance in mobilising enhanced international funding, while highlighting that repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar remains the only sustainable solution.

The adviser made the remarks when a delegation of a senate member with two senior parliamentarians of the Parliament of Canada, along with executives from Human Concern International (HCI), an international non-government organisation, called on him at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

National Security Adviser and High Representative for the Rohingya Issue Khalilur Rahman was also present during the meeting.

The discussions focused on the Rohingya crisis, particularly the delegation's first-hand experience from their recent visit to the Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The foreign adviser thanked Canada for its continued humanitarian assistance and longstanding support on the Rohingya issue.

The delegation deeply appreciated Bangladesh's continued humanitarian support and generosity in sheltering and supporting the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals.

The parliamentarians, who are also the members of important Standing Committees of Canada like the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Committee on Citizenship and Immigration, acknowledged Bangladesh's efforts and reiterated Canada's continued support for humanitarian assistance and the pursuit of a durable solution.

The Canadian side also flagged the importance of providing education to Rohingya children, particularly higher education opportunities for the youth, emphasising that education could enhance skills, reduce trafficking risks, promote positive social behaviour, and ultimately contribute to the repatriation process.

Commenting on this point, the National Security Adviser and High Representative for the Rohingya issue apprised that the process needs careful scrutiny, as it may involve long-term employment implications that may affect local wages.

He, however, expressed optimism that consultations, verification processes, and coordination with relevant stakeholders and international partners are ongoing to address these concerns effectively.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the robust, friendly and mutually beneficial partnership between Bangladesh and Canada.