Dhaka, Apr 18 (V7N)-  Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossain has identified the Arakan Army as a major impediment to the repatriation of Rohingya refugees, stating that the country finds itself unable to engage directly with the group, yet cannot bypass them either.

He made these remarks on Friday (April 18) while addressing officials on the occasion of Foreign Service Day 2025, held at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka.

Highlighting the importance of serving Bangladeshi citizens abroad, Touhid Hossain told embassy officials that resolving the problems of expatriates must be treated as a top priority. “Even though embassies operate under constraints, people must be served first,” he emphasized.

He further noted that 80 percent of the problems faced by migrant workers originate within Bangladesh—often due to lack of proper training or preparation before departure. “If workers are sent abroad with proper education and training, it will significantly reduce the challenges they face and lessen the pressure on our missions,” he added.

On the topic of remittances, the advisor pointed out that Bangladesh’s export earnings, which stood at one billion dollars in the 1980s, have now reached 60 billion dollars, a transformation in which embassies played a supporting role. He lauded the contributions of over 10 million expatriates, whose remittances play a vital role in the country’s economy.

Recalling the historic role of foreign service officials during the 1971 Liberation War, Touhid Hossain said, “On April 18, 1971, the Deputy High Commission of Bangladesh was formed in Kolkata with 65 officers and staff. Our diplomats have been shaping global public opinion in favor of Bangladesh ever since.”

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