Bangladesh Leader Yunus Reassures on Rohingya Refugees Garment Exports

Bangladesh Leader Yunus Reassures on Rohingya Refugees Garment Exports. In a pivotal address, Nobel laureate and Bangladesh’s new leader, Muhammad Yunus, has assured continued support for the nation’s significant Rohingya refugee population and its vital garment industry.

Speaking for the first time since assuming office, Yunus, 84, outlined his administration’s key priorities, emphasizing stability and humanitarian efforts in a country grappling with deep-rooted institutional challenges.

Yunus, renowned globally for his groundbreaking work in microfinance, returned to Bangladesh earlier this month after a period in Europe, following a student-led revolution that marked a dramatic shift in the country’s political landscape.

His return was seen as a beacon of hope for many, especially after the sudden departure of his predecessor, Sheikh Hasina. The 76-year-old former leader, known for her authoritarian rule over the past 15 years, fled the country by helicopter just days before Yunus’s arrival, leaving behind a nation in turmoil.

During his address, delivered before a gathering of diplomats and United Nations representatives, Yunus made it clear that his administration would prioritize the ongoing support for over a million Rohingya refugees currently sheltered in Bangladesh.

“Our government will continue to support the million-plus Rohingya people sheltered in Bangladesh,” Yunus stated, highlighting the importance of international cooperation.

“We need the sustained efforts of the international community for Rohingya humanitarian operations and their eventual repatriation to their homeland, Myanmar, with safety, dignity, and full rights,” he added, underscoring the necessity of global solidarity in resolving this crisis.

The Rohingya crisis has been one of Bangladesh’s most pressing issues since 2017 when a large influx of refugees fled violence in Myanmar. The burden on Bangladesh has been immense, requiring both national and international resources to manage the situation.

Yunus’s reaffirmation of support indicates a commitment to maintaining humanitarian aid and seeking a durable solution for the refugees.

In addition to addressing the refugee crisis, Yunus also turned his attention to Bangladesh’s garment industry, a cornerstone of the nation’s economy.

The sector, which comprises 3,500 factories and contributes approximately 85 percent of Bangladesh’s $55 billion in annual exports, faced severe disruptions during the recent unrest that led to the overthrow of the previous regime.

Many international buyers shifted their orders to other countries, raising concerns about the future of the industry in Bangladesh.

Yunus, however, was resolute in his stance against any further disruptions. “We won’t tolerate any attempt to disrupt the global clothing supply chain, in which we are a key player,” he declared, signaling a strong commitment to stabilizing and protecting the industry.

The garment sector has long been a driving force in Bangladesh’s economic growth, providing employment to millions and contributing significantly to the nation’s GDP. Ensuring its continued success is crucial for the country’s economic stability and global trade relations.

Yunus’s leadership comes at a critical time for Bangladesh, with the dual challenges of managing a large refugee population and sustaining economic growth through its garment industry.

His experience and global recognition, particularly for his Nobel Peace Prize-winning efforts in microfinance, position him as a leader capable of steering the country through these complex issues.

As Yunus takes on this monumental task, the international community will be watching closely, particularly in how Bangladesh navigates these challenges under his guidance.

His initial commitments suggest a focus on humanitarian support and economic resilience, key areas that will likely define his tenure as Bangladesh’s leader.

In the coming months, Yunus’s policies and actions will be pivotal in shaping the future of Bangladesh, ensuring that both the Rohingya refugees receive the support they need and that the garment industry continues to thrive in the global market.