Shama Obaed visits Rohingya camps, stresses safe and dignified repatriation
State minister highlights renewed diplomatic push and calls for coordinated efforts to ensure sustainable return to Myanmar
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on yesterday (6 May) underscored the government's renewed efforts to raise the Rohingya crisis at regional and multilateral platforms, while stressing the need for a safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of displaced people to Myanmar.
A delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by the state minister, visited Cox's Bazar and called for coordinated action in line with government policy to support the eventual return of Rohingyas to their ancestral homes in Rakhine State.
During the visit, the delegation toured the Forcibly Displaced Myanmar National (FDMN) camps in Ukhiya upazila, observing humanitarian service delivery on the ground.
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According to the foreign ministry, this was the first high-level visit by a Foreign Office delegation to the camps since the BNP government assumed office.
The team visited food distribution centres run by the World Food Programme, educational facilities for Rohingya children, a hospital operated by Doctors Without Borders (MSF), and a production unit in Kutupalong run by Rohingya women.
The state minister also held an interactive session with elected representatives of the Rohingya community, including youth and women members.
She listened to their concerns and assured them of the government's continued support to improve living conditions in the camps and to help create conditions conducive to their safe return.
Later in the day, she attended a stakeholder consultation at the office of the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) in Cox's Bazar.
Officials from government agencies, security forces, the United Nations, and national and international non-governmental organisations took part in the meeting.
She thanked all stakeholders for their ongoing efforts to support the displaced population and reiterated Bangladesh's commitment to addressing the protracted humanitarian crisis.
Following the consultation, the state minister briefed local media on her visit and outlined the government's policy priorities regarding the Rohingya issue.
