ICJ verdict in Rohingya genocide case expected soon: Khalilur Rahman

Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman has expressed hope that the verdict in the ongoing case regarding the Rohingya crisis at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) will be delivered soon.

Speaking during the parliamentary question-and-answer session, the minister said a case is pending at the ICJ against Myanmar over allegations of genocide committed against the Rohingyas.

The case demands the determination of Myanmar’s responsibility, cessation of ongoing persecution, ensuring justice and compensation for victims, and measures to prevent such crimes in the future.

With written and oral hearings completed involving multiple states, the case has already advanced to an important stage, the minister said.

“The court’s verdict is expected soon,” he said in response to a question from ruling party MP Emran Ahmed Chowdhury.

At the outset of the day’s proceedings, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad tabled the session.

The foreign minister said that, according to UNHCR’s latest data [April 13], the number of Rohingya who came from Myanmar stands at 1,189,213.

The minister added that the present government has undertaken multifaceted measures in line with its election manifesto to resolve the Rohingya crisis. To achieve a sustainable solution, Bangladesh continues active engagement with the international community. Bangladesh has also maintained moral and diplomatic support in the ongoing judicial process at the ICJ.

He emphasised that Bangladesh remains steadfast in fulfilling humanitarian responsibilities, upholding international justice, and ensuring a permanent and peaceful solution to the Rohingya issue.

In response to another query from MP Lutfor Rahman, Khalilur said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the government is working to repatriate the 1.2 million Rohingya temporarily residing in Bangladesh back to Myanmar as quickly as possible. The government has taken necessary measures to secure the Bangladesh-Myanmar border and prevent human trafficking, drug smuggling, and other cross-border crimes.

Replying to a question from NCP MP (Kurigram-2) Atiqur Rahman Mujahid, the foreign minister said the present government has taken steps in its 180-day programme to activate South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc). Bangladesh has conveyed its interest in revitalising Saarc to representatives of member states.

Through mutual trust, regional dialogue, and collective political will, Saarc can be made effective again. Bangladesh will continue to play an active, constructive, and visionary diplomatic role towards this goal.

Answering a question from ruling party MP (Jamalpur-2) AE Sultan Mahmud Babu, the foreign minister said two Bangladeshi students were brutally killed at the University of South Florida in the United States. The Bangladesh Embassy in Washington and the Consulate General in Florida have been in close contact with the victims’ families, the university, and local authorities.

“Initiatives have been taken to repatriate the bodies to Bangladesh,” the minister said.

Responding to a query from MP (Noakhali-1) AM Mahbub Uddin, Khalilur said the government is closely monitoring the safety of Bangladeshi expatriates amid ongoing tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.

“The government remains vigilant and is taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of Bangladeshi nationals abroad,” he added.