Diplomatic Desk:
Kelley E. Currie, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, paid a courtesy call to Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmad at his office in the Ministry of Home Affairs, located at the Bangladesh Secretariat, on Wednesday (November 11, 2026).
During the meeting, the two sides held discussions on the current political and human rights situation in Myanmar, the dignified repatriation of the Rohingya sheltered in Bangladesh, border security, and the overall law and order situation within the Rohingya camps.
The Home Minister noted that while official records may reflect a lower figure, in reality, more than 1.5 million Rohingya are currently residing in Bangladesh. Hosting such a large population for an extended period has become a significant burden on Bangladesh’s economy. He emphasized that the primary objective of all international efforts should be to ensure the safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of the Rohingya to their home country, Myanmar. Furthermore, he called upon the international community to play a responsible role following the upcoming verdict—scheduled for November 19, 2026—by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the case concerning the Rohingya genocide in Myanmar.
UN Special Rapporteur Kelley E. Currie highly commended the Government of Bangladesh for providing long-term humanitarian shelter and services to the displaced Rohingya refugees. Highlighting the historical human rights violations committed against the Rohingya population, she stated that the United Nations and its international partners are working not only to create a conducive environment for repatriation but also to ensure that the Rohingya are granted citizenship and fundamental rights in their home country.
The meeting also included positive discussions on enhancing the capacity of law enforcement agencies—through training and the provision of modern technological support—to combat drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and cybercrime in areas adjacent to the Rohingya camps. Additionally, the need for a coordinated initiative by influential international actors—including China, India, the United States, and the European Union—to exert diplomatic pressure on the government of Myanmar was underscored. Present during the meeting were Thomas Hunecke, who accompanied the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar; Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed, Additional Secretary of the Political and Immigration Wing of the Ministry of Home Affairs; and Rebeka Khan, Joint Secretary of the Political-1 Branch, among others.
