Canadian Envoy Talks Floods and Rohingya Crisis with Adviser

Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh today called on Disaster Management and Relief Adviser Faruk E Azam, Bir Protik at his secretariat office. Photo: PID

The meeting centered on the recent devastating floods in Bangladesh and the ongoing crisis of forcibly displaced Myanmar citizens, commonly known as the Rohingyas. The High Commissioner expressed concern about the floods and inquired about the country's rehabilitation plans, including efforts related to disaster shelters, first aid, early warning systems, and other critical measures to aid affected communities.

Faruk E Azam highlighted the sacrifices made by the people of Chattogram Division, who are hosting a significant number of Rohingya refugees, and stressed the importance of development activities that benefit both the local population and the displaced. He emphasized the need to improve the quality of life for both groups as part of a comprehensive approach to the region’s challenges.

In response, the Canadian High Commissioner expressed strong interest in these issues and assured the government of Canada’s full support. He also commended Bangladesh for its role in providing refuge to the displaced Myanmar citizens and praised the humanitarian contributions from the international community towards the Rohingya population.

Additionally, Ajit Singh shared plans to construct disaster-resistant housing within the Rohingya refugee camps, aiming to improve living conditions for the displaced people.

Md. Kamrul Hasan, Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, and senior ministry officials were also present during the meeting.