Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to secure additional funding from diverse sources to aid Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh during a courtesy meeting with its Director General (DG), Amy Pope, at Ganabhaban.

Quoting the PM, her Speech Writer M Nazrul Islam conveyed her concern over dwindling funds for Rohingya assistance and encouraged the IOM to seek new partnerships to bolster support for the displaced Myanmar nationals.

In a subsequent media briefing at the PM’s official residence, Islam disclosed that PM Sheikh Hasina also urged the IOM to facilitate the relocation of Rohingyas to Bhashanchar, where accommodations for up to one lakh Rohingyas have been prepared with essential amenities such as education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.

Approximately 30-35 thousand Rohingyas have already been relocated to Bhashan Char.

During the meeting, the IOM DG raised security concerns within the Rohingya camps, prompting assurances from PM Sheikh Hasina regarding adequate deployment of security personnel to ensure the safety of the refugees.

Highlighting the internal conflicts among Rohingya groups, the PM acknowledged the demographic shift in localities due to the large Rohingya population.

Pope emphasized the importance of providing language and cultural training to migrants to enhance their skills according to the demands of host countries. In response, PM Sheikh Hasina highlighted the government’s emphasis on vocational and linguistic training, with 112 Technical Training Centres (TTCs) established nationwide.

PM also underscored poverty reduction as a means to mitigate migration, outlining various government programs aimed at supporting migrants, including providing loans without collateral.

She emphasized the responsibility of both host and source countries in safeguarding the interests of migrants and addressing climate-induced migration, particularly in Bangladesh’s vulnerable coastal areas.

PM Sheikh Hasina reiterated that migration, including internal displacement due to climate change-induced factors such as river erosion, floods, and cyclones, is a natural phenomenon. She underscored the importance of comprehensive measures to address these challenges, including the provision of housing and support for affected communities.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s vulnerability to climate change, the PM mentioned the government’s efforts to provide housing to over 4000 climate refugees in Khurushkul, Cox’s Bazar. Additionally, she emphasized ongoing initiatives to construct climate-resilient housing in coastal areas and floating houses in flood-prone regions, all aimed at providing shelter to vulnerable populations.

The meeting also addressed the broader issue of migration, with PMSheikh Hasina emphasizing the need for collaboration between host and source countries to protect the rights and interests of migrants. She highlighted Bangladesh’s commitment to supporting its migrant workers, including through skills training and access to financial resources.

The PM’s remarks underscored the government’s multifaceted approach to addressing the complex challenges of migration and climate change, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and support in mitigating these issues.