UN member states urged to play effective role over Rohingya issue

Bangladesh has urged the UN member states to play an effective role for a permanent solution to the Rohingya crisis and promote an effective migration governance to ensure safe and orderly migration.

The call was made at an Eid reunion organised by the Bangladesh's Permanent Mission to the UN in New York on Tuesday attended by permanent representatives and diplomats of more than 100 countries including India, Japan, Russia, China, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to the UN Masud Bin Momen focused on various aspects of the remarkable development trajectory of Bangladesh, but also the challenges the country faces because of the over 1.1 million Rohingyas.

He urged member states to play an effective role for a permanent solution to the Rohingya crisis.

Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque in a presentation highlighted the need for an effective migration governance for safe, orderly and regular migration and the difficulties with regard to human mobility.

The issue of the upcoming election for the position of Deputy Director-General (DDG) of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) came up prominently. Bangladesh has floated the candidacy of its Foreign Secretary Ambassador Shahidul Haque for the post.

During his presentation, Shahidul Haque said he intends to utilize his long experience of working with IOM and dealing with migration issues for the welfare of the world.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam said Bangladesh has emerged as a responsible state under the dynamic and pragmatic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Referring to Bangladesh's long and deep involvement with international migration discourse, he said, "To continue the legacy, now at the operational level, Bangladesh has floated candidacy of its Foreign Secretary Ambassador Shahidul Haque for the position of DDG of IOM".

He urged the representatives of member states to support Ambassador Haque.

He said if Shahidul Haque, Special Envoy on Migration for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, gets the opportunity to work as a DDG IOM, his experience can be used to make IOM a more effective organization for better management of global migration.

The guests were entertained with traditional Bangladeshi food. As Eid gifts, Bangladeshi tea and various handicrafts items were also distributed among them.

Civilian and defence officials of Bangladesh working at the UN Headquarters were also present at the event.