Diplomatic Correspondent: The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening humanitarian cooperation with Bangladesh, focusing on disaster preparedness, emergency response, community resilience and support for vulnerable populations, particularly Rohingya refugees.

The commitment came when newly appointed IFRC Head of Delegation in Bangladesh Seval Güzelkılınç presented her Letter of Credence to State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir at his office in Dhaka on Monday.

During the meeting, the State Minister expressed the government`s interest in further strengthening its partnership with the international humanitarian organisation. He also recognised the IFRC`s significant contribution to building the institutional and operational capacity of the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS).

Appreciating the organisation`s prompt response to the floods and landslides in July 2026, Kobir stressed the importance of strengthening disaster preparedness and adopting anticipatory action to minimise the impact of natural disasters.

Bangladesh, which remains highly vulnerable to climate-induced disasters, needs stronger institutional capacity, effective early-warning mechanisms and coordinated humanitarian responses to protect lives and livelihoods. In this context, the government sees international cooperation as an important element in improving the country`s disaster management capabilities.

The Rohingya humanitarian crisis also featured prominently in the discussions. Expressing concern over the growing humanitarian needs of Rohingya refugees and their host communities amid declining international resources, the State Minister urged the IFRC to mobilise its extensive global network to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of essential humanitarian assistance.

He emphasised that continued international support is necessary to address the basic needs of the displaced population and reduce the growing pressure on host communities.

Kobir reiterated the government`s position that the early and voluntary repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar remains the only viable and sustainable solution to the prolonged crisis.

In response, Güzelkılınç expressed gratitude for the Bangladesh government`s continued support and reaffirmed the IFRC`s commitment to working closely with the authorities to advance humanitarian activities across the country.

Outlining her priorities, she highlighted the need to expand humanitarian services, strengthen community resilience, improve disaster response mechanisms and deepen institutional cooperation.

Her priorities reflect the importance of building stronger partnerships with national institutions and local communities to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches vulnerable people effectively, particularly during emergencies.

The State Minister assured the new IFRC Head of Delegation of the Foreign Ministry`s full cooperation and support in carrying out the organisation`s humanitarian activities in Bangladesh.

The meeting comes at a time when Bangladesh continues to face multiple humanitarian challenges, ranging from climate-related disasters to the prolonged Rohingya refugee crisis. Stronger cooperation between the government, international humanitarian organisations and development partners is therefore crucial to ensuring timely assistance, strengthening disaster resilience and protecting vulnerable communities.