Bangladesh’s Interim Government Pushes Rohingya Crisis Back to Global Attention

by Hafizur Rahman

November 28, 2025

Bangladesh’s interim government has renewed international attention on the Rohingya crisis after several years of declining global engagement, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said on Thursday. Speaking at a media briefing at the Foreign Service Academy, he said the administration has made deliberate efforts to place the issue back on the international agenda.

Shafiqul Alam said that since 2017 discussion of the crisis had gradually weakened, leaving the situation of Rohingya refugees with less global visibility. He said the interim government’s diplomatic outreach has helped bring the matter forward again. Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad also joined the briefing.

He pointed to the high level conference on the Situation of Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities in Myanmar held on the sidelines of the Eightieth United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 30. Representatives from several countries attended and renewed calls for accountability and protection. At the meeting, the United States and the United Kingdom pledged ninety six million dollars in new humanitarian assistance for Rohingya communities.

He also highlighted two major events inside Bangladesh that drew global attention. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres visited Cox’s Bazar in May to meet refugees and humanitarian agencies. In August, an international conference on the Rohingya situation was held in Cox’s Bazar with participation from various organisations and diplomats. Shafiqul Alam said these moves were part of Bangladesh’s efforts to ensure the crisis remains visible internationally.

During his briefing, he criticised former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, saying her government focused on personal image rather than substantive action. He said the previous administration used the title Mother of Humanity while progress on the ground remained limited.

He added that the interim government has approached the issue differently. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus established a High Representative Office and appointed a high representative to coordinate work on the crisis.

For Rohingya refugees, the renewed attention offers a reminder that their situation remains part of global discussions. However, community members in the camps say they are still waiting to see whether increased diplomatic activity will result in meaningful improvements to their lives or steps toward a safe solution.

Shafiqul Alam said Bangladesh hopes international engagement will eventually lead to positive outcomes for the Rohingya people. Community members say they will be watching closely to see how these commitments translate into action.