On the occasion of World Refugee Day, which falls on June 20, the Bangladesh National Party’s official Facebook page posted a statement on behalf of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman. The statement went as follows:
“World Refugee Day, observed annually on June 20 under the auspices of the United Nations, is an international occasion to celebrate refugees, honour their resilience, and raise global awareness about their plight. Today, this day will be commemorated with due dignity in Bangladesh and across the world.
“The refugee crisis remains a grave humanitarian challenge worldwide. Ethnic violence and political persecution continue to displace communities, leaving them vulnerable. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) extends full solidarity with this observance and reaffirms its steadfast support for international efforts to ensure the dignified repatriation of forcibly displaced people to their homelands.
“This day recognises the strength of refugees who flee conflict and oppression in search of safety and hope for a better life. As Bangladeshis, our collective memory still bears the scars of similar suffering during our Liberation War.
“Today, Cox’s Bazar’s Ukhiya-Teknaf region hosts the world’s largest refugee settlement, sheltering over 1.4 million Rohingya who fled persecution in Myanmar eight years ago. Bangladesh has borne the brunt of this crisis, now regarded as one of the worst humanitarian disasters. Our people have stood by the Rohingya with exemplary compassion—a shining testament to humanity.
“However, the interim government must intensify diplomatic efforts to pressure Myanmar for creating conditions conducive to safe repatriation. The global community must be unequivocally reminded of the severity of this crisis: the Rohingya’s current statelessness, Bangladesh’s challenges in hosting them, Myanmar’s role in their displacement, and its repeated failures to honour repatriation commitments.
“On this World Refugee Day, I urge the Bangladesh government, international community, and donor agencies to sustain pressure on Myanmar for the Rohingya’s dignified return. I extend my solidarity to all refugees worldwide and hope for their safe repatriation.”