Bangladesh has called for continued cooperation from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to address the ongoing Rohingya crisis, while strengthening humanitarian and institutional support in the country’s prisons and law enforcement sector.
The request came during a courtesy call by ICRC Bangladesh delegation head Nicolas Fleury on Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed at his office in the Bangladesh Secretariat on Sunday afternoon.
The meeting covered a broad range of issues, including healthcare and medical facilities for prisoners, modernisation of the country’s Jail Code, capacity-building training for police and prison personnel, and the humanitarian situation facing Rohingya refugees, according to a ministry press release.
The Home Minister thanked the ICRC for its continued humanitarian and medical support to Rohingya refugees and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to keeping the crisis at the forefront of the international community’s attention. He also requested the organisation’s continued assistance in tackling the protracted humanitarian challenge.
In response, Fleury assured the Home Minister of the ICRC’s ongoing commitment to humanitarian cooperation with Bangladesh. He confirmed that the ICRC has submitted recommendations to modernise the existing Jail Code and proposed measures to the Ministry of Health to enhance medical services in prisons.
Minister Salahuddin Ahmed noted that prisoners requiring advanced treatment are referred to specialist hospitals, while primary healthcare is provided through prison medical units. He welcomed international-standard training initiatives aimed at improving professionalism among law enforcement agencies.
Fleury highlighted the ICRC’s interest in providing first aid and human rights training for police personnel, alongside advanced courses for senior police and prison officials. The Home Minister assured full cooperation and requested the deployment of skilled trainers with international expertise.
The minister also reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and pledged continued administrative and policy support for ICRC humanitarian activities in the country. He commended the organisation’s technical and training assistance in implementing the Geneva Conventions and IHL.
Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Ziauddin Ahmed, Joint Secretary Rebeka Khan, and Deputy Secretary Begum Minara Nazmeen were also present at the meeting.
