Transitional government of Bangladesh commits to supporting Rohingya refugees

By SM Najmus Sakib

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AA) - Muhammad Yunus, head of Bangladesh's transitional government, has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to supporting the over one million Rohingya refugees currently sheltered in southeastern Cox's Bazar.

In a recent address, Yunus emphasized the need for international support to sustain humanitarian efforts and facilitate the dignified repatriation of the Rohingya to Myanmar. The Rohingya have been in Bangladesh since August 2017, fleeing a severe military crackdown in Myanmar's Rakhine State. Most reside in overcrowded camps in Cox's Bazar, while about 35,000 have been relocated to Bhasan Char island since late 2020.

“Our government will persist in its support for the Rohingya people,” Yunus stated during a briefing with foreign diplomats in Dhaka. “We require continued international assistance for humanitarian operations and for ensuring their safe and dignified return to Myanmar.”

Yunus, who took office on August 8 as head of a 17-member transitional administration, stressed that restoring law and order remains a top priority. He expressed hope that the international community will support Bangladesh as it navigates its transition to a new democratic future.

The transitional government came into power following a period of intense civil unrest and anti-government protests, which led to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fleeing to India and resulted in significant casualties, according to a UN report.