Bangladesh’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shama Obaid Islam, has criticized the previous government’s handling of the Rohingya crisis, calling it ineffective despite urgent needs at the border. Speaking to journalists on March 23 at her residence in Faridpur, she said, “The previous administration wasted valuable time on this issue. There was virtually no meaningful action taken.”

Highlighting the complexity of the current situation, Obaid noted that the Rohingya crisis is now far more “complicated” than in the past, requiring new strategies and stronger international coordination. She emphasized that the border remains “volatile and vulnerable" and stressed that any solution must combine political and diplomatic efforts.

Obaid explained that Bangladesh is actively engaging both Myanmar’s new government and the Arakan Army at multiple levels to facilitate safe repatriation for Rohingya refugees. “We want to ensure that those returning have a safe place to go. Until such conditions are established in Myanmar, we continue negotiations and diplomatic engagement,” she said.

She also called for broad international support, including from ASEAN countries, China, India, Muslim nations, and Western partners. “The Rohingya crisis is one of the world’s major humanitarian issues. Bangladesh has provided humanitarian shelter, but resolving the crisis requires a coordinated global effort,” Obaid said.

On domestic political issues, Obaid reaffirmed that the BNP-led government will continue ongoing judicial processes against individuals accused of human rights violations during the past 17 years, including cases involving former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. She added that maintaining rule of law and accountability remains a priority under the current mandate.

The deputy minister’s remarks underscore Bangladesh’s dual approach: safeguarding the humanitarian needs of Rohingya refugees while pursuing a strategic, multilateral path toward durable repatriation.

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