Prime Minister Tarique Rahman addressed the opening session of a three-day international conference organized by CGS at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in the capital on Saturday morning as the chief guest. Photo: PMO
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has commented that the Rohingya crisis originated in Myanmar, so its solution must also be found there.
He made the remarks while addressing the inaugural session of the three-day international conference ‘Bay of Bengal Conversation (BOBC) 2026’ organized by the Center for Governance Studies (CGS) at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in the capital on Saturday (October 3) morning.
The Prime Minister said, “Bangladesh is still hosting about 1.2 million Rohingya refugees. Our main goal is to ensure their early, voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation to Myanmar.”
Highlighting the need for continued political support and international funding from the international community, he said, “At the same time, the root causes of the crisis must be addressed. The crisis that originated in Myanmar must also end in Myanmar.”
Referring to the Bay of Bengal as one of the foundations of Bangladesh’s future economic potential, the Prime Minister said, “The Bay of Bengal has been playing a role in determining the fate of Bangladesh for generations.”
He said, “Bangladesh’s geographical and strategic location offers opportunities to connect more deeply with the world through seaports, waterways and coastal economies. There is immense potential in shipping, fisheries, tourism, energy and regional logistics.”
The Prime Minister said, “To transform regionally common geographical location into common prosperity, deeper bilateral and multilateral engagement is needed.”
He said, “It is possible to further expand mutual cooperation in trade, energy, education, technology, climate and maritime sectors. In addition to opening up new markets, more opportunities can be created for young people. We can build stronger cooperative relations based on equality, fairness and justice.”
Stating that Bangladesh believes in dialogue, partnership and mutual respect, the Prime Minister said, ‘Along with protecting national interests and sovereignty, Bangladesh will continue to work positively with all its regional and global partners. Because peace and harmony are the foundation of shared prosperity and development.’
The Prime Minister called for transforming the Bay of Bengal region into an area where every nation develops together, enjoys mutual benefits, and citizens extend their hands of meaningful cooperation. Bangladesh is fully prepared to play its due role in this regard.