Malaysia Reaffirms Support for Bangladesh Amid Rohingya Crisis and ASEAN Integration
Malaysian Minister Dr. Zambry Andel Kadir assured ongoing support for Bangladesh regarding the Rohingya crisis and potential ASEAN partnership during a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. Discussions included refugee recruitment, higher education ties, and an upcoming international conference on the Rohingya crisis. Professor Yunus proposed creating a UN-supervised safe zone in Rakhine and mentioned plans for elections in Bangladesh by 2026.
On December 18, 2024, during a meeting in Cairo, Malaysian Higher Education Minister Dr. Zambry Andel Kadir reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh. Key topics included enhancing bilateral relations, addressing the Rohingya humanitarian crisis, and the possibility of Bangladesh becoming a sector dialogue partner of ASEAN. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus emphasized the urgency of the Rohingya situation, calling for international cooperation, including a proposed conference aimed at resolving the crisis. He noted the influx of over 80,000 Rohingya refugees into Bangladesh following recent violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine state and advocated for the establishment of a UN-supervised safe zone there. Moreover, Professor Yunus mentioned the intended timeline for the upcoming elections in Bangladesh, which is set for the first half of 2026.
The Rohingya humanitarian crisis has been a persistent issue affecting regional stability in South Asia. Over the years, Myanmar’s treatment of the Rohingya population has led to widespread violence and displacement, prompting neighboring countries, particularly Bangladesh, to respond to an influx of refugees. Bangladesh has become home to hundreds of thousands of Rohingya individuals fleeing persecution, necessitating international support for humanitarian relief and potential long-term solutions. Malaysia’s engagement reflects a broader interest in enhancing diplomatic and economic ties within the ASEAN framework, particularly concerning Bangladesh’s aspirations for greater involvement in regional dialogue.
In summary, Malaysia’s continued support for Bangladesh reflects a broader commitment to regional stability and humanitarian assistance. The discussions led by Minister Dr. Zambry emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to address the Rohingya crisis and foster deeper bilateral relations. The proposed international conference and potential safe zones highlight the proactive steps needed to stabilize the region while also preparing for Bangladesh’s political developments in the upcoming elections.
Original Source: www.bssnews.net
