President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called on the United Kingdom and the international community to take more effective initiatives to ensure the safe repatriation of forcibly displaced Rohingya people sheltered in Bangladesh.

He also urged stronger international efforts to protect vulnerable Rohingya women and children.

The president made the call during a courtesy meeting with Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh and a member of the British royal family, at Bangabhaban on Wednesday.

During the meeting, Mirza Fakhrul said the Duchess’s visit carried a message of hope for the Rohingya people of Myanmar, particularly women and children, who face an uncertain future.

He said her visit to the Rohingya camps would play an important role in drawing international attention to the humanitarian crisis.

The president noted that the prolonged Rohingya crisis had placed enormous socioeconomic and environmental pressure on densely populated Bangladesh while also creating concerns over regional security.

He stressed the need for a more active role by the international community in creating conditions for the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees, while ensuring continued humanitarian assistance and protection for women and children.

Welcoming the Duchess to Bangladesh, the president praised her longstanding contributions to women’s dignity and empowerment, eye health and the development of young people.

Referring to the longstanding friendly relations between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom, he said Bangladesh remained committed to strengthening bilateral ties based on mutual respect and shared interests.

The two sides also discussed various issues, including increasing British investment in Bangladesh, improving the education system and expanding women’s participation in sports.

During her three-day visit, the Duchess shared her experiences of visiting Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar, the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP) and the Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation Training (BIPSOT), among other institutions.

She praised the progress made in the development and empowerment of women in Bangladesh and acknowledged their contributions to the country’s economic advancement.

The president expressed hope that the Duchess’s visit would further strengthen the existing friendly relations and cooperation between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom.

Senior officials from the President’s Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the British High Commissioner and members of the Duchess’s delegation were present at the meeting.