Over 1.5m Rohingyas strain Bangladesh’s economy: Home Minister

More than 1.5 million Rohingyas are currently living in Bangladesh, putting significant pressure on the country’s economy, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said.

Although official records show a lower figure, the actual number of Rohingyas in the country is higher, he said, adding that hosting such a large displaced population for an extended period has placed a considerable burden on Bangladesh’s economy.

The minister made the remarks during a courtesy meeting with Kelly E. Currie, the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar, at his office at the Ministry of Home Affairs in the Bangladesh Secretariat on Wednesday.

The meeting discussed Myanmar’s current political and human rights situation, the repatriation of Rohingyas sheltering in Bangladesh, border security and law and order in Rohingya camps.

Salahuddin said a lasting solution to the Rohingya crisis lies in their safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation to their homeland. He stressed that all efforts by the international community should be focused on achieving this goal.

He also called on the international community to play a responsible role following the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) verdict in the case concerning the Rohingya genocide in Myanmar, scheduled for November 19.

During the meeting, Currie praised the Bangladesh government for providing humanitarian shelter and assistance to displaced Rohingyas over the years. She also highlighted the historical human rights violations committed against the Rohingya community.

She said the United Nations and its international partners were working to create conditions conducive to repatriation while ensuring citizenship and fundamental rights for the Rohingya in Myanmar.

The meeting also discussed strengthening law enforcement agencies’ capacity to combat drug trafficking, arms smuggling and cybercrime in areas adjacent to Rohingya camps.

There was a positive discussion on providing necessary training, modern technology and technical assistance to enhance their capabilities.