Bangladesh seeks UN Security Council support for Rohingya repatriation

Bangladesh has sought support of international community specially support from United Nations Security Council for Rohingya repatriation.

The Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations in New York Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith made the call while speaking at the Security Council aria formula meeting on Myanmar. The meeting convened by the United Kingdom was held at the United Nations Headquarters on Saturday.

“We urge the United Nations, ASEAN and regional countries to support the pilot repatriation project and help the Rohingya returnees reintegrate in Myanmar” said Muhammad Abdul Muhith.

Referring to the recent dialogue between Bangladesh and Myanmar, Ambassador Muhith informed the Security Council that the two sides have decided to undertake a pilot repatriation project under which a group of verified Myanmar nationals will return to Myanmar in the first batch.

The repatriation will continue and additional Rohingyas will be repatriated in successive batches. He further informed that a group of 20 Rohingya visited Rakhine State on 5 May 2023 to see arrangements made in Myanmar for their return.

Citing the pilot project as an important step in the right direction, Permanent Representative said that Bangladesh is taking all measures to ensure the voluntary return of the Rohingyas in family units.

Ambassador Muhith called upon the international community to remain vigilant so that the returnees under pilot project are not exposed to further persecution.