Rohingya crisis: Need greater global funding under UN

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed yesterday called for stronger international support and increased global funding under the UN framework to address the ongoing Rohingya crisis, describing the issue as a growing humanitarian and national security challenge for Bangladesh.

The call came during a courtesy meeting between the minister and UN Resident Coordinator ad interim Carol Flore-Smereczniak at the former’s office at the Secretariat.

According to a ministry press release, the meeting covered a range of bilateral and mutual interest issues, including the country’s law and order situation, Bangladesh’s participation in UN peacekeeping missions, implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and expansion of trade and investment.

Highlighting the Rohingya issue, the minister said the UN has played a commendable role in keeping the crisis at the centre of global attention since its inception.

“Bangladesh always believes in peaceful, dignified and sustainable migration. However, the Rohingya crisis has now become a complex and sensitive issue that poses a threat to our national security,” he said.

He stressed that Bangladesh requires broader international cooperation, increased humanitarian assistance and enhanced global funding under the UN umbrella to effectively manage the humanitarian and security implications arising from the crisis.