Dhaka, Oct 04 (V7N): Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus emphasized the urgent need for an international solution to the Rohingya crisis during a joint press briefing with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Friday. He stressed that resolving the issue requires collective action from the global community, rather than just Bangladesh.

“We will continue to raise the issue, and Malaysia will support us. We can't wait indefinitely. This is a crisis we must resolve as soon as possible,” Yunus said in response to a question from UNB at the briefing held in Dhaka.

Prof Yunus, a Nobel Peace Laureate, highlighted the shared concern over the Rohingya issue, noting that while the crisis has a greater impact on Bangladesh, it also affects Malaysia, albeit with fewer Rohingyas residing there.

He underscored the collaborative efforts between Bangladesh, Malaysia, ASEAN, and the international community, pointing out that Malaysia will assume the ASEAN chairmanship in January 2025. “We are working together through ASEAN, the Malaysian government, and the broader international community to find a solution,” he added.

Prof Yunus pointed to two critical issues: the birth of around 32,000 children each year among the Rohingya population over the past seven years, contributing to the 1.2 million refugees already in Bangladesh. He expressed concern for the future of these children, warning that they represent a generation growing up with no prospects.

“This is a ticking time bomb. The world must be concerned about what could happen if this situation remains unresolved,” Yunus cautioned, also noting the continuous arrival of new Rohingya refugees.

He expressed optimism that Malaysia would support Bangladesh in pushing for a global solution through ASEAN and international forums.

Bangladesh is currently hosting over 1.2 million Rohingyas, many of whom fled Myanmar in 2017. The UN has appealed for $852 million in 2024 to assist 1.35 million people, including both Rohingyas and Bangladeshis in nearby areas, but this appeal remains underfunded.

Prof Yunus and Prime Minister Ibrahim also held a brief one-on-one meeting before their formal talks.

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