Bangladesh Leader Yunus Reassures on Rohingya Refugee Support and Garment Export Stability
Bangladesh Leader Yunus Reassures on Rohingya Refugee Support and Garment Export Stability Bangladesh Leader Muhammad Yunus Reaffirms Commitment to Rohingya Refugees and Garment Industry
DHAKA: In his first major policy address, Nobel laureate and newly appointed leader Muhammad Yunus assured continued support for both Bangladesh’s large Rohingya refugee population and its crucial garment sector.
Yunus, 84, who recently returned from Europe following a student-led revolution, is now tasked with leading democratic reforms in Bangladesh amidst significant institutional challenges. This transition follows the abrupt departure of his predecessor, Sheikh Hasina, who fled the country by helicopter after 15 years of stringent rule.
Addressing diplomats and UN representatives, Yunus emphasized his administration’s commitment to two key issues. “Our government will maintain its support for the over one million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh,” Yunus stated. He called for ongoing international assistance for Rohingya humanitarian efforts and their safe, dignified repatriation to Myanmar.
Yunus also addressed concerns about the recent upheaval’s impact on Bangladesh’s textile industry. The unrest had led to significant disruptions, with many suppliers relocating orders elsewhere. “We will not allow any disruptions to the global clothing supply chain, of which we are a crucial part,” Yunus assured.
Bangladesh’s garment industry, comprising 3,500 factories, is vital to the nation’s economy, contributing around 85 percent of its $55 billion in annual exports. Yunus, awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his groundbreaking work in microfinance, is known for his efforts to alleviate poverty in Bangladesh.
