Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina on Monday highlighted the growing challenges in repatriating forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals due to internal conflict in the neighboring country.

“The repatriation of Rohingyas is very important, but it has become very difficult now because of internal conflict in Myanmar,” she said during a meeting with Professor Payam Akhavan, Bangladesh's appointed lawyer in the International Court of Justice (ICJ), at her national parliament office.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, PM’s speechwriter M Nazrul Islam shared the prime minister's concerns over the burden placed on Bangladesh by the influx of Rohingyas.

“Local people of Cox’s Bazar have now turned the minority due to the influx of Myanmar nationals. They are damaging our environment,” she emphasized, stressing the need for dignified repatriation of the displaced Rohingyas to their homeland.

She reiterated Bangladesh's commitment not to allow its territory to be used for insurgency, emphasizing the importance of keeping Rohingya youth away from criminal activities.

“To address this concern, the government has arranged better accommodation for one lakh Rohingyas in Bhashanchar island and transferred 35,000 Rohingyas there,” she informed.

PM Hasina also highlighted Bangladesh's leadership role in climate justice, noting the establishment of a climate trust fund and various adaptation and mitigation programs, including the development of green-belts for coastal zone protection.

Expressing gratitude to Professor Payam Akhavan for his assistance in preparing Bangladesh's legal submission to the ICJ on climate protection obligations, PM Hasina reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to addressing global climate challenges.

Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister M Tofazzel Hossain Miah was present during the meeting.

BOB Post