State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Wednesday emphasized that the repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar remains the only viable solution to the ongoing crisis.

She stressed that Bangladesh will continue coordinating with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and other partners to identify practical pathways for repatriation while maintaining humanitarian assistance in both Bhasan Char and Cox’s Bazar.

The remarks were made during a meeting with UNHCR Country Representative Ivo Freijsen at her office.

Shama Obaed expressed appreciation for UNHCR’s ongoing support for forcibly displaced Rohingyas, particularly its leadership role under the Rohingya Response Plan.

Highlighting existing funding gaps, the State Minister urged UNHCR to continue addressing the most urgent humanitarian needs, including food, medicine, water and sanitation and education under the Joint Response Plan (JRP).

Both sides agreed to collaborate in keeping the international community’s attention focused on this critical issue.

Ivo Freijsen acknowledged Bangladesh’s generosity in hosting a large Rohingya population over the years and reaffirmed UNHCR’s steadfast commitment to supporting Bangladesh in managing this humanitarian crisis.