Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called upon the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to intensify efforts in raising greater international funds to aid the Rohingya refugees.
During a meeting with UNDP goodwill ambassador and Crown Princess of Sweden, Victoria, at a city hotel, Prime Minister Hasina emphasized the critical need for increased financial support for the Rohingya community. The prime minister’s sentiments were relayed to reporters by her speechwriter, Md Nazrul Islam, following the meeting.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s humanitarian stance, Prime Minister Hasina underscored the nation’s commitment to providing shelter to forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar. She reiterated Bangladesh’s efforts in enhancing living conditions for the Rohingya, including the provision of facilities at Bhashanchar, where around one lakh Rohingya refugees can be accommodated.
Prime Minister Hasina sought UNDP’s assistance in facilitating the relocation of more Rohingyas to Bhashanchar, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in addressing the refugee crisis.
Princess Victoria’s visit to Bangladesh encompasses a tour of Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar and Bhashanchar, where she will witness firsthand the challenges faced by the displaced community.
The meeting also delved into bilateral and multilateral issues, with discussions revolving around climate change and opportunities for deepening bilateral relations between Sweden and Bangladesh.
Expressing optimism for enhanced ties, Princess Victoria highlighted the potential for collaboration in trade, business, and investment sectors between the two nations.
Prime Minister Hasina urged Swedish businesses to consider investing in Bangladesh, particularly in special economic zones, while emphasizing Bangladesh’s vulnerability to climate change-induced disasters. She highlighted Bangladesh’s proactive measures in climate adaptation and mitigation, including the establishment of a climate trust fund to safeguard local communities and their livelihoods.
Reflecting on Bangladesh’s progress in poverty alleviation, Prime Minister Hasina reiterated the government’s commitment to providing cyclone-resistant housing and constructing cyclone shelter centers to ensure the welfare of vulnerable populations.
Recalling her past visit to Sweden in 1969, Prime Minister Hasina reminisced about her connection to the country during her husband’s educational pursuit, underlining the longstanding ties between Bangladesh and Sweden.
