The interim government has successfully brought the long-stalled Rohingya crisis back to the forefront of international discussions after years of neglect, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said today.

Speaking at a media briefing at the Foreign Service Academy, Alam noted that the Rohingya issue had largely faded from global attention since 2017, but regained prominence following the interim administration’s efforts. Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad was also present.

He highlighted the high-level conference on the Situation of Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities in Myanmar, held on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly in New York on September 30, where delegates from multiple nations participated. At the event, the United States and the United Kingdom announced a fresh aid package of US$96 million for Rohingya refugees.

Alam also cited UN Secretary-General António Guterres’s visit to Cox’s Bazar in May and the Rohingya conference held there in August as key diplomatic steps that helped restore global focus on the crisis.

“The government has made strong efforts to draw global attention on Rohingya issue again. We have been successful in this regard,” he said.

In a sharp remark targeting former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Alam accused the “fallen autocrat” of prioritizing her “Mother of Humanity” image over genuine action. He emphasized that the interim government, under Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, took a more earnest stance by establishing a High Representative Office dedicated to the Rohingya issue.

He added that the world is now more aware of the crisis than ever before and expressed hope for positive developments in the coming days.

BOB Post