Bangladesh has called on members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to contribute to a voluntary trust fund supporting The Gambia’s case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over atrocities against Rohingyas in Myanmar.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir made the appeal while addressing the 23rd OIC Extraordinary Council of Foreign Ministers in Jeddah, according to UNB.

He also urged OIC countries to step up international efforts to ensure the safe, dignified and voluntary repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar, stressing the need for a sustainable solution to the protracted crisis.

Kobir welcomed the newly elected OIC Secretary General Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed and assured him of Bangladesh’s full cooperation during his tenure.

Highlighting the OIC’s role as the world’s second-largest intergovernmental organisation, the state minister said the body has an important responsibility to advance the interests and wellbeing of the Muslim Ummah.

He also appreciated the work of the outgoing secretary general and expressed hope that the new leadership would continue the institutional progress achieved during the previous tenure.

On Palestine, Kobir reiterated Bangladesh’s firm support for the Palestinian cause and backed a just and lasting settlement based on the two-state solution, with an independent and sovereign Palestine living alongside Israel in peace and security.

The state minister also thanked OIC member states for supporting the election of Bangladesh’s foreign minister as President of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

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