Border News Agency
Dhaka – June 22, 2025

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud has called upon the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to increase financial contributions in support of the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and to aid the country’s legal efforts against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Speaking during a meeting with the OIC Contact Group on Rohingya Muslims in New York, the minister urged the Muslim-majority nations to remain united in seeking justice and a sustainable solution for the Rohingya crisis. He stressed that although Bangladesh has been hosting over a million forcibly displaced Rohingya from Myanmar for years, the burden must be shared more actively by the international community.

The foreign minister noted that the legal case against Myanmar at the ICJ initiated by The Gambia is crucial to ensuring accountability for the atrocities committed against the Rohingya. He emphasized that Bangladesh has been supporting the case, both politically and logistically, and called for stronger financial and technical support from OIC members.

He also reminded the OIC that despite Bangladesh’s limited resources, it has shown compassion by sheltering the Rohingya population, which has placed immense socio-economic and environmental pressure on the host communities in Cox’s Bazar.

Minister Mahmud reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to a peaceful and voluntary repatriation of Rohingya to their homeland in Myanmar, but warned that without sustained global support and justice, the crisis will remain unresolved and may lead to regional instability.

The minister’s appeal comes at a critical time when humanitarian funding for the Rohingya response has seen significant cuts, endangering the welfare of the refugee population and efforts to maintain peace and security in the camps.

OIC Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha and representatives of member states present at the meeting expressed continued solidarity with the Rohingya people and praised Bangladesh for its role in providing shelter and support.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to work together to pursue justice and ensure safe, voluntary, and dignified return of the Rohingya to Myanmar.