Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has called for enhanced international support for Rohingya refugees.

“Bangladesh alone cannot shoulder the burden of hosting the large displaced population without sustained global assistance,” he said.

The minister made the appeal while Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Susan Ryle paid a courtesy call on him at Secretariat office here this afternoon, according to a Home Ministry press release. 

Ahmed stressed the need for increased funding and coordinated international efforts to ensure the rehabilitation and improved living conditions of the Rohingya community. 

He also highlighted recent government measures, including the first meeting of the national committee on Rohingya camp security held on May 4, noting that law enforcement agencies are actively working to curb crime and drug trafficking in the camps.

During the meeting, both Bangladesh and Australia discussed a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including law and order, irregular migration, policing capacity building, and mutual legal assistance (MLA). 

The Australian envoy reaffirmed her country’s continued support for humanitarian assistance to the Rohingya and agreed on the importance of sustained international engagement.

On migration, Ryle noted that a joint working group between the two countries is addressing irregular migration while Australia is promoting awareness about legal migration pathways. 

The minister welcomed these efforts and expressed Bangladesh’s interest in expanding regular migration opportunities through skilled workforce deployment.

The discussions also touched on strengthening bilateral ties, police training cooperation, and upcoming engagements, including a planned visit by the Australian cricket team to Bangladesh.

Home Ministry Additional Secretary ((Add Charge: Political Wing) Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed, Joint Secretary (Political-1) Rebeka Khan, Deputy Secretary (Political-1) Begum Minara Nazmin, Counsellor on Home Affairs at Australian High Commission, Reuben Gray, First Secretary (Political) Harry Thompson, were present, among others at the meeting.