by Hafizur Rahman
May 16, 2026
Bangladesh has once again said that the safe and voluntary return of displaced Rohingya people to Myanmar remains the only long-term solution to the ongoing crisis, while calling on the international community to continue supporting repatriation efforts.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam made the remarks during a meeting with Khaled Khiari in New York City on Thursday.
According to Bangladesh’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, the meeting focused on the Rohingya crisis and Bangladesh’s role in global peace and development efforts.
During the discussion, Bangladesh also repeated its commitment to democracy, sustainable development, peacekeeping missions, and cooperation with the international community.
Shama Obaed said the newly elected government is working to restore public trust, strengthen institutions, improve transparency and accountability, and improve public services. She also said the government remains committed to protecting human rights and the rule of law.
The State Minister highlighted social support programmes, including the “Family Card” and “Farmers’ Card,” which are aimed at supporting vulnerable people across the country.
Speaking about international peacekeeping, Shama Obaed said Bangladesh remains one of the largest contributors to United Nations peacekeeping missions. She stressed the importance of protecting peacekeeping operations during the current financial difficulties facing the UN and called for greater participation of women and youth in post-conflict recovery efforts.
Khaled Khiari praised Bangladesh for its long-standing contribution to UN peacekeeping missions and its efforts to increase women’s participation in peace and security initiatives.
