Dhaka, June 22 (V7N) — Bangladesh on Saturday urged the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to step up efforts in ensuring justice for the Rohingya population, warning of growing humanitarian and security strains as more displaced people continue to flee violence in Myanmar.

Speaking at the OIC Ad Hoc Ministerial Committee meeting in Istanbul, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain emphasized that Bangladesh, which hosts over 1.3 million Rohingyas, cannot continue bearing the burden alone. “The pressure on our economy, environment, and local communities is unsustainable,” he said, describing the worsening crisis.

Bangladesh has recorded over 118,000 new Rohingya arrivals since late 2023, fleeing intensified conflict in Myanmar’s Rakhine state. The Arakan Army now controls much of the region, including the border with Bangladesh, and nearly 600,000 people are internally displaced as of May 2025.

Hossain warned that humanitarian assistance is drying up. “Only 68% of required funding was received last year,” he said, noting that UNICEF has already shut down educational facilities and the World Food Programme (WFP) has slashed food rations twice this year due to budget shortfalls.

Bangladesh called on the OIC to provide stronger diplomatic and legal backing, especially in supporting The Gambia’s genocide case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice. Hossain said The Gambia “will need our full solidarity, support, and cooperation” to continue its legal challenge.

The adviser also urged greater coordination with ASEAN under Malaysia’s chairmanship and announced that Bangladesh will host a high-level conference on the Rohingya crisis during the UN General Assembly in September. “Our call today is not just for charity, but for justice, solidarity, and shared accountability,” he concluded.

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