DHAKA, September 5, 2026: Bangladesh Foreign Affairs State Minister Shama Obaed Islam has said the Rohingya crisis has become increasingly complex despite persisting for nearly a decade, making stronger international initiatives and pressure essential to finding a lasting solution.
Speaking at a discussion titled “The Upcoming United Nations Conference and Bangladesh Branding” in the capital on Saturday, Obaed said the Rohingya crisis has remained one of Bangladesh’s major challenges for almost 10 years.
She stressed that the crisis was not created by Bangladesh. The Rohingya crisis originated outside the country, yet Bangladesh has been forced to bear its long-term humanitarian, economic and security consequences.
“Bangladesh has been raising the Rohingya issue in the international arena for a long time,” she said, noting that the issue would also be addressed during the upcoming session of the United Nations General Assembly, which Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is expected to attend.
Despite years of international discussions and diplomatic efforts, however, the situation has become more complicated rather than moving closer to a resolution, she said.
According to the state minister, the situation across the border has been complicated by divisions among multiple actors, including the Myanmar government and the Arakan Army, while the interests of several countries are also involved.
These overlapping political and strategic interests have created additional regional complications, particularly regarding the crucial issue of the repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar, she said.
Obaed stressed that the international community must take a more effective and coordinated role in addressing the crisis, taking into account its increasingly multidimensional nature.
“Without creating international pressure, finding a solution to the crisis will become even more difficult,” she said.
The state minister also highlighted the role that people from different sections of Bangladeshi society can play in keeping the Rohingya issue on the international agenda.
She said individuals and organisations can contribute from their respective positions by drawing international attention to the crisis and helping build public support for a sustainable solution.
A long-term resolution, she added, requires a coordinated international approach that takes into consideration the evolving situation in Myanmar, regional security concerns and the interests of the countries involved.
Source: Remarks by Foreign Affairs State Minister Shama Obaed Islam