New OIC Secretary-General Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed says organization will support Bangladesh’s efforts as prolonged Rohingya crisis raises regional concerns
ARAKAN JOURNAL – September 17, 2026
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has pledged support for Bangladesh’s efforts to facilitate the speedy repatriation of Rohingya refugees to their homeland in Myanmar.
Newly elected OIC Secretary-General Ismail Ould Cheik Ahmed gave the assurance during a meeting in Jeddah on September 16, 2026, with Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the OIC, Ambassador MJH Jabed. Bangladesh’s ambassador delivered a congratulatory letter from Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman.
According to Bangladesh’s state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), Cheikh Ahmed assured Bangladesh of the OIC’s “firm support” for the speedy repatriation of forcibly displaced Rohingyas to Myanmar. He also warned that the prolonged crisis, if not properly addressed, could jeopardize regional security and cause further suffering.
The meeting took place shortly after Cheikh Ahmed assumed the OIC’s top post. OIC member states elected him secretary-general at an extraordinary session of the Council of Foreign Ministers in Jeddah in late August, succeeding Hissein Brahim Taha.
Bangladesh has hosted more than one million Rohingya refugees, most of whom fled violence and persecution in Myanmar. Dhaka has repeatedly sought international support for their eventual return to Myanmar.
The OIC has been involved in international diplomatic efforts concerning the Rohingya crisis, including support for accountability and the rights of Rohingya refugees.
The latest pledge comes as Bangladesh continues diplomatic efforts to create conditions for repatriation. Any return of refugees also raises questions about safety, rights, citizenship, freedom of movement, and conditions in their places of origin.
The Bangladesh mission to the OIC confirmed the September 16 meeting on its official website.
Sources: United News of Bangladesh (UNB)
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