Episode: KPN 20-09-2026

Bangladesh urges OIC states to fund Gambia’s Rohingya case at ICJ

Bangladesh has urged member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to contribute to a voluntary trust fund supporting The Gambia’s case against Myanmar before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over alleged atrocities against the Rohingya.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir made the appeal on Thursday while addressing the 23rd Extraordinary Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Jeddah.

He also called on OIC countries and the wider international community to strengthen efforts toward the safe, dignified and voluntary repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar.

Bangladesh Seeks Support for Gambia’s ICJ Case

Kobir urged OIC member states to continue financially supporting the legal proceedings initiated by The Gambia at the ICJ concerning Myanmar’s treatment of the Rohingya.

The Gambia brought the case under the Genocide Convention, seeking to hold Myanmar accountable over allegations of genocide against the Rohingya.

Bangladesh, which hosts a large Rohingya refugee population displaced from Myanmar, has repeatedly called for sustained international support for accountability and a durable resolution to the crisis.

Kobir stressed that contributions to the voluntary trust fund would help sustain The Gambia’s legal effort before the UN’s highest court.

Call for Safe and Voluntary Rohingya Repatriation

The state minister also emphasized the need for stronger international engagement to create conditions for Rohingya refugees to return to Myanmar safely and voluntarily.

Bangladesh has maintained that any repatriation must take place in a safe, dignified and sustainable manner.

The Rohingya crisis remains a major humanitarian and diplomatic challenge for Bangladesh and the wider international community, with large numbers of refugees continuing to live in camps in Cox’s Bazar.

Bangladesh Welcomes New OIC Secretary General

During his address, Kobir welcomed newly elected OIC Secretary General Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed and assured him of Bangladesh’s full support and cooperation during his tenure.

He highlighted the OIC’s role as one of the world’s largest intergovernmental organizations and stressed its importance in promoting the interests and welfare of Muslim communities worldwide.

Kobir also expressed appreciation for the contributions of the outgoing secretary general and said he hoped the new leadership would build on institutional progress made during the previous tenure.

Bangladesh Reaffirms Support for Palestine

The state minister also reiterated Bangladesh’s support for the Palestinian cause.

He reaffirmed Dhaka’s commitment to what it described as a just and lasting settlement based on a two-state solution, with an independent and sovereign Palestinian state living alongside Israel in peace and security.

Dhaka Thanks OIC Members for UN Support

Kobir also thanked OIC member states for supporting the election of Bangladesh’s foreign minister as president of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The remarks highlighted Bangladesh’s efforts to strengthen cooperation with OIC member states on the Rohingya crisis, international accountability and broader diplomatic priorities.

For the Rohingya, Bangladesh’s appeal places renewed emphasis on two parallel objectives: pursuing accountability through international legal mechanisms and creating conditions for a safe, dignified and voluntary return to Myanmar.

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