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President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called on the international community to take stronger measures to ensure the safe repatriation of Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh and protect vulnerable women and children.
He made the call during a courtesy meeting with Duchess of Edinburgh Sophie Helen Rhys-Jones at Bangabhaban on Wednesday (11 November).
The president said the duchess’s visit carried a message of hope for the Rohingya people of Myanmar, particularly women and children, who continue to face an uncertain future.
He expressed hope that her visit to the Rohingya camps would help draw greater international attention to the prolonged humanitarian crisis.
Fakhrul said the crisis was placing immense socioeconomic and environmental pressure on densely populated Bangladesh while also raising concerns over regional security.
He welcomed the duchess to Bangladesh and praised her longstanding contributions to women’s dignity and empowerment, eye health and youth development.
Referring to the longstanding friendly relations between Bangladesh and the UK, the president said Bangladesh remained committed to strengthening bilateral ties based on mutual respect and shared interests.
The two also discussed opportunities to increase British investment in Bangladesh, improve the education system and expand women’s participation in sports, among other issues.
The duchess shared her experiences from her three-day visit to Bangladesh, including trips to the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protisthan (BKSP) and the Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation Training.
She praised Bangladesh’s progress in women’s empowerment and their contributions to the country’s economic development.
The president expressed hope that the visit would further strengthen friendship and cooperation between Bangladesh and the UK.
