EU Assures Pressure on Myanmar to Address Rohingya Crisis

EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib today met with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain this afternoon at the foreign ministry. Photo: MoFA

In a significant pledge, Commissioner Lahbib also announced that the EU would allocate 68 million Euros this year to support the Rohingya refugees and the Bangladeshi host communities in Cox's Bazar.

Lahbib made the commitments during a meeting with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to a statement issued by the ministry.

The EU Commissioner shared her personal insights from her visit to the Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar, where she commended Bangladesh for its generosity in hosting the displaced Rohingyas. She also expressed strong support for Bangladesh’s initiative to host a High-Level Conference on the Rohingya issue in New York in October 2025.

In addition to the Rohingya crisis, Commissioner Lahbib reiterated the EU's full backing of Bangladesh’s Interim Government and its reform efforts. She emphasized that this is a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s history, underscoring the importance of new partnerships and cooperation for the nation’s future.

Foreign Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain highlighted the deep and growing relationship between Bangladesh and the EU, thanking Commissioner Lahbib for her visit. He expressed concern over the current political situation in Myanmar and its broader implications for the Rohingya crisis and regional stability. He reiterated that the ultimate solution to the crisis lies in the safe and voluntary return of the Rohingyas to Myanmar, urging stronger action from the international community to achieve this.

Both sides also discussed their experiences with natural disasters, acknowledging the need for increased collaboration in disaster management and preparedness. They agreed on the importance of sharing expertise and information in order to strengthen sustainable disaster response mechanisms.

The Foreign Adviser requested continued EU support, particularly in the form of technical and financial assistance, to further improve Bangladesh’s disaster management capacity.

Earlier in the day, Commissioner Lahbib met with the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh. She is scheduled to depart Dhaka later tonight.