The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has pledged to support Bangladesh’s efforts to accelerate the repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar, as the prolonged refugee crisis continues to pose risks to regional stability.

Newly elected OIC Secretary General Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed made the commitment during a meeting with Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the OIC, Ambassador MJH Jabed, in Jeddah on Wednesday.

Jabed handed over a letter of felicitation from Bangladesh Foreign Minister and President of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly Dr Khalilur Rahman to the new OIC chief.

Cheikh Ahmed warned that the prolonged Rohingya crisis could jeopardise regional security and deepen humanitarian suffering if it remains unresolved. According to UNB, the discussion focused on Bangladesh’s efforts to secure the safe and speedy return of the Rohingyas to their homeland.

The OIC chief also expressed support for Bangladesh’s recent democratic transition and said he expected the country’s development to gain fresh momentum under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

The meeting also highlighted the role of the Islamic University of Technology (IUT), an OIC subsidiary organ based in Bangladesh, in expanding science and technology education among member states.

Cheikh Ahmed said he would explore new initiatives to strengthen IUT’s research and innovation capacity, particularly in artificial intelligence. He also indicated that Bangladesh is among the countries he plans to visit as part of his engagement with OIC member states.

The two sides also discussed wider cooperation among OIC countries in sectors including contract farming, healthcare, science and technology, hospitality and education.

Jabed said Bangladesh looks forward to working closely with the OIC Secretariat on issues of common interest, including the Rohingya crisis and other regional and global challenges.

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