DOHA, Qatar Apr 23 (V7N) - Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today called upon Qatar to exert pressure on Myanmar to initiate the repatriation of Rohingya refugees. Speaking at a high-level roundtable titled "Social and Environment Challenges Around Forcibly Displaced Populations-The Case of the Rohingya" on the second day of his Qatar visit, he also urged Qatar to proactively engage with OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) countries to secure more funding for the displaced population.  

The roundtable discussion took place at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Doha this morning.  

Professor Yunus emphasized that Qatar, given the evolving international geopolitical landscape, could leverage its diplomatic influence to strongly advocate for a resolution to the Rohingya crisis. He suggested a proactive role in engaging OIC member states to increase financial aid and to collectively pressure the international community to champion the repatriation of the Rohingya people.  

Recalling Qatar's early support for the Rohingya, Professor Yunus noted that Qatar was among the first nations to provide immediate assistance following the crisis outbreak in 2017. He also highlighted Qatar's strong diplomatic stance on the Rohingya issue in various international forums, mentioning the Emir of Qatar's significant statements in this regard.  

He referred to the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's address at the 72nd United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 19, 2017, where the Emir called on the Myanmar government and the international community to fulfill their legal and moral obligations to halt violence against the Rohingya minority. The Emir also advocated for their protection, repatriation to their homeland, the prevention of sectarian or ethnic discrimination, and the assurance of their full rights as citizens.  

Professor Yunus also acknowledged the extensive humanitarian aid provided by Qatar Charity to Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar and Bhasan Char in Bangladesh, benefiting over 234,313 individuals. This assistance included medical supplies, essential school items, cooking gas cylinders, and the construction of 326 shelters in Cox's Bazar. He also mentioned Qatar Charity's launch of an agricultural 'Livelihood' project in Bhasan Char in June 2023.  

He specifically highlighted Qatar's initiative in providing LPG gas cylinders to Rohingya families, benefiting 23,000 refugees and contributing to environmental protection by reducing reliance on other fuel sources. He suggested that Qatar could expand its provision of LPG facilities for the Rohingya community.  

Professor Yunus also recalled a meeting on December 9, 2024, between Bangladesh National Security Adviser (NSA) and High Representative for Rohingya and Priority Affairs Dr. Khalilur Rahman and Qatar's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi in Doha. During this meeting, the High Representative sought Qatar's strong cooperation in ensuring Rohingya repatriation, emphasizing the need for concerted global efforts to resolve the crisis. In response, Dr. Khulaifi affirmed Qatar's commitment to addressing the plight of the Rohingyas, underscoring the nation's focus on their humanitarian needs and shared faith.  

Foreign Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain, National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman, Energy Adviser Mohammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Principal Coordinator on SDG Affairs Lamiya Morshed, and Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam were among those who attended the roundtable.  

Qatar Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, sister of the Qatar Emir and host of the Earthna Summit, also participated in the high-level discussion.

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