Dhaka, 21 January 2019:

The newly appointed Country Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Bangladesh Steven Corliss presented his credentials to the Foreign Minister Dr. A. K. Abdul Momen, M.P. this afternoon. The presentation of the credentials was followed by a courtesy call on the Foreign Minister.

Mr. Corliss replaces Mr. Shinji Kubo as UNHCR Country Representative in Bangladesh. He served as the Special Adviser to the High Commissioner on Internal Displacement at the UNHCR Headquarters in Geneva before assuming the charges in Dhaka.

Foreign Minister welcomed Mr. Steven Corliss with warmth. Foreign Minister highlighted on Bangladesh’s centuries-long ethos of putting humanity above all. He mentioned about the courageous decision of hosting over 1.1 million Rohingyas by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Foreign Minister stated that the protracted presence of the Rohingyas in Bangladesh might threaten the peace and stability of the region and beyond. He urged the international community including UNHCR to put utmost efforts for the early repatriation of the Rohingyas with dignity and safety. Highlighting on the Prime Minister’s three points proposal during the last UN General Assembly and the recommendations of the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar and the Kofi Annan Commission, the Foreign Minister urged UNHCR Representative to emphasize on addressing the root causes of Rohingya crisis.

Mr. Steven Corliss mentioned that during his visit to Cox’s Bazar, the Rohingyas he met all wanted to go back to their country. He emphasized on sustainability of the return of the Rohingyas.

Foreign Minister assured of full support to the UNHCR, mentioning that UNHCR is a very credible organization. He wished Mr. Steven Corliss a successful tour of duty in Bangladesh.