Home Minister seeks ICRC support on Rohingya crisis, prison reforms

Bangladesh has sought continued cooperation from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in addressing the ongoing Rohingya crisis, alongside strengthening humanitarian and institutional support in the country’s prison and law enforcement sectors.

The issue came up during a courtesy call by the Head of delegation of the ICRC in Bangladesh, Nicolas Fleury, on Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed at his minister’s office at the Bangladesh Secretariat this afternoon.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed a range of issues of mutual interest, including healthcare and medical facilities for prisoners, modernization of the country’s Jail Code, capacity-building training for police and prison officials, and the Rohingya humanitarian situation, according to a press release.

The Home Minister thanked the ICRC for its humanitarian and medical support to Rohingya refugees and said Bangladesh remains committed to keeping the crisis in the focus of the international community.

He also requested the organization to continue its support in dealing with the protracted humanitarian challenge.

In response, the ICRC delegation reaffirmed its interest in continuing humanitarian cooperation with Bangladesh. 

The delegation chief informed the minister that recommendations had already been submitted to modernize Bangladesh’s existing Jail Code. 

He also said proposals were sent to the Ministry of Health aimed at improving healthcare services inside prisons.

The minister noted that inmates requiring advanced treatment are sent to specialized hospitals, while primary healthcare services are provided through prison medical units.

The meeting also emphasized enhancing professionalism among law enforcement agencies through international-standard training. 

Nicolas Fleury expressed the ICRC’s interest in providing first aid and human rights training for police personnel, as well as advanced-level courses for senior police and prison officials.

Welcoming the initiative, the Home Minister assured full cooperation and requested the ICRC to arrange skilled trainers with international expertise.

The minister further reiterated that Bangladesh remains committed to International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and will continue extending administrative and policy support to ICRC humanitarian activities in the country.

He also appreciated the organization’s technical and training assistance in implementing the Geneva Conventions and International Humanitarian Law.

Among others present at the meeting were Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed, Joint Secretary Rebeka Khan, and Deputy Secretary Begum Minara Nazmeen, reports BSS.