Bangladesh's interim government's chief advisor Muhammad Yunus pledged support for the country's Rohingya refugee population and its crucial garment export industry. In his first major policy address on Sunday (18 August) he said in front of diplomats and UN representatives.

Bangladesh currently hosts approximately one million Rohingya refugees, many of whom fled Myanmar in 2017 following a military crackdown now under investigation for genocide by a United Nations court.

"Our government will continue to support the million-plus Rohingya people sheltered in Bangladesh," Yunus said.

"We need the sustained efforts of the international community for Rohingya humanitarian operations and their eventual repatriation to their homeland, Myanmar, with safety, dignity and full rights."

Bangladesh's 3,500 garment factories account for around 85 percent of its $55 billion in annual exports.

Some suppliers shifted production out of the country during the unrest that toppled Yunus' predecessor, ex-premier Sheikh Hasina.

"We won't tolerate any attempt to disrupt the global clothing supply chain in which we are a key player," he said.