Bangladesh has renewed its call for the early repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar, stressing that their return to their original homes remains the only durable solution to the prolonged crisis.

The issue was raised on Thursday by Foreign Ministry Secretary (Bilateral) Dr Md Nazrul Islam during a meeting with visiting UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Kelley Anne Eckels-Currie, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka.

Islam expressed concern over the worsening human rights situation in Myanmar, particularly the continued violence and forced displacement in Rakhine State, which has further deepened the Rohingya crisis.

According to BSS, he briefed the UN envoy on Bangladesh's humanitarian assistance to more than 1.2 million Rohingya  and stressed the need to create favourable conditions for their safe and voluntary return to Myanmar.

He also called for unhindered humanitarian access and sustained international support for both the refugees and the communities hosting them, according to a foreign ministry press release.

Eckels-Currie thanked Bangladesh for allowing her to visit the country and praised its continued humanitarian support for the Rohingyas despite significant resource constraints.

She acknowledged the challenges Bangladesh faces as a host country and stressed the need for continued international attention and collective efforts to find a lasting solution to the crisis.

Islam welcomed the Special Rapporteur and assured her of Bangladesh's full cooperation during her visit, as well as its continued support for her mandate.

The visit is Eckels-Currie's first to Bangladesh since she assumed the UN mandate. She was appointed by the UN Human Rights Council in March 2026, succeeding Thomas H. Andrews, who held the position from 2020 to 2026. She formally took up the role on May 1, 2026.

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