DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENT

The UN Refugee Agency and its partners have called on the international community not to forget the 1.2 million refugees in Bangladesh, as the world marks nine years since the large-scale forced displacement of Rohingya.

At a briefing in Geneva yesterday, UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch said generous support from Bangladesh and the international community had been critical in meeting the refugees’ basic needs and providing protection.

Since 2017, humanitarian funding has allowed Bangladesh to sustain life-saving assistance and make major progress in refugee education, health and protection, but significant humanitarian needs persist.

“Without continued international solidarity, the plight of Rohingya families will deteriorate,” Baloch said.

Amid sharp reductions in humanitarian and development support, Rohingya refugees remain largely reliant on aid. Limited economic opportunities and reduced assistance continue to

SEE PAGE 9 COL 5