Dhaka | Wednesday:
Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain today urged Canada to play a stronger role in mobilizing international funding to sustain humanitarian operations for the Rohingya refugees, while reiterating that repatriation to Myanmar remains the only viable and lasting solution to the crisis.

He made the call during a meeting with a Canadian parliamentary delegation comprising a Senate member, two senior Parliamentarians, and executives from Human Concern International (HCI) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka, according to an official press release.

National Security Adviser and High Representative for the Rohingya Issue Dr Khalilur Rahman was also present at the meeting.

Discussions focused on the current state of the Rohingya crisis, with the Canadian team sharing insights from their recent visit to refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar.

The Foreign Adviser expressed appreciation for Canada’s longstanding humanitarian support, but voiced concern over the declining global attention and funding for the protracted displacement. He noted that the prolonged stay of Rohingyas in camps has led to rising security and social challenges, including human trafficking, drug smuggling, and arms trade, impacting both the camps and nearby host communities.

The Canadian Parliamentarians — members of the Standing Committees on Foreign Affairs and on Citizenship and Immigration — praised Bangladesh for its continued compassion and commitment toward the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals, reaffirming Canada’s pledge for humanitarian aid and a durable resolution to the crisis.

They emphasized the importance of education and skills development for Rohingya children and youth, saying such measures could help reduce trafficking risks, foster positive community engagement, and support eventual repatriation.

Responding to the proposal, Dr Khalilur Rahman said education initiatives require careful planning, considering their potential impact on local employment dynamics. He assured that consultations with stakeholders and international partners are ongoing to find balanced solutions.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the friendly and mutually beneficial partnership between Bangladesh and Canada.