Diplomatic Desk:
Julie Isabel Bishop, the Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General on Myanmar, paid a courtesy call to Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed at his office in the Ministry of Home Affairs, located at the Bangladesh Secretariat, on Monday afternoon (October 19, 2026).
The discussion covered the current political and security situation in Myanmar, various aspects of the Rohingya crisis, and the repatriation process for the displaced population.
During the meeting, the Home Minister stated that Bangladesh has long been facing a severe crisis, having provided shelter—on humanitarian grounds—to hundreds of thousands of forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals (FDMNs) who fled due to internal conflict in their home country. He urged the international community to play a more effective role in achieving a permanent and sustainable solution to this crisis. Special Envoy Julie Bishop, acknowledging the ongoing conflict, noted that she remains in regular contact and continues diplomatic engagement with all relevant parties to help end the hostilities and ensure the protection of civilians.
Concerns were also raised regarding the prevalence of landmines in the border regions, human and drug trafficking, and the broader regional and global implications of these issues. The meeting emphasized the importance of fostering an environment conducive to political dialogue and mutual cooperation, with the ultimate goal of ensuring the safe, dignified, and voluntary repatriation of the Rohingya people to their homeland.
Also present at the meeting were Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed, Additional Secretary of the Political and Immigration Wing of the Ministry of Home Affairs; Rebeca Khan, Joint Secretary of the Political-1 Branch; UN Resident Coordinator Carol Flore-Smereczniak; Senior Political Affairs Officer Duncan Keith Wilson; and Juliette Murekeyisoni, Deputy Representative of the UNHCR, among others.
