Sheikh Hasina: Rohingya crisis and climate change are major challenges

Speaking at the plenary session of the 18th Non-aligned Movement (NAM) in Baku, Azerbaijan on Friday, October 26, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stated that her country was currently dealing with two major challenges- Rohingya crisis and the adverse impact of climate change. She made these remarks during the session titled ‘Upholding the Bandung Principles to ensure concerted and adequate response to the challenges of the contemporary world’. She contended that the Rohingya crisis had the potential to destabilise Bangladesh and other countries of the world. Hasina opined that the voluntary return of the Rohingyas to their homes in the Rakhine state was the only solution to the crisis. Furthermore, she said that the problem had its roots in Myanmar. 

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Bangladesh PM remarked, “We’re currently hosting over 1.1 million Rohingyas. It has the potential to destabilise our country and beyond. We’re constrained to seek the support of the international community in resolving the crisis. Voluntary return of the Rohingyas to their homes in the Rakhine state with safety, security, and dignity is the only solution to the crisis.” She added, “Thus, its solution has to be found inside Myanmar.” 

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Hasina talks about climate change

Hasina observed that despite contributing very little to global warming, Bangladesh was suffering heavily from its impacts. It is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, facing the risk of cyclones, floods, and earthquakes. According to a recent study conducted by UNICEF, environmental disasters linked to climate change are threatening the lives and futures of more than 19 million children in Bangladesh. Similarly, it ranks first in the world in terms of vulnerability as per the USAID. Subsequently, she called upon the developed countries to respect the UN Framework on Climate Change.  

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“The international response to climate change, particularly that of developed countries, must, therefore, fully respect the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change,” the Bangladeshi premier remarked. 

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