Japanese delegation meets Disaster Management Minister over Rohingya funding crisis
Staff Correspondent
A high-level Japanese delegation representing The Nippon Foundation and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation met with State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief M. Iqbal Hossain at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Tuesday to discuss the evolving Rohingya humanitarian crisis.
The visiting delegation was led by Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of The Nippon Foundation.
Discussions focused on the current situation of Rohingya refugees residing in camps across Cox's Bazar and Bhasan Char, evaluating ongoing humanitarian relief operations against the backdrop of declining global funding. During the meeting, officials highlighted that dwindling international aid has severely constrained the delivery of essential services.
State Minister M. Iqbal Hossain urged international partners to maintain adequate, long-term financial commitments to meet the basic needs of the refugees. He specifically requested .
Both sides agreed that the ultimate, sustainable solution to the prolonged crisis lies in the prompt, voluntary, safe, and dignified repatriation of the Rohingya to Myanmar.
In response, the Japanese delegation expressed optimism regarding the continuation of their humanitarian assistance and conveyed a strong interest in expanding future cooperation.
Disaster Management and Relief Secretary Md. Saiful Islam was present at the meeting, alongside delegation members including Akiko Horiba, Director at the Center for Mediation Support under the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, and Shota Nakayasu, General Manager at The Nippon Foundation.
