Photo: MoFA

DHAKA, Aug 18, 2026 (BSS) – State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam today appreciated The Gambia for filing and actively pursuing the Rohingya genocide case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The appreciation came when non-resident High Commissioner of The Gambia to Bangladesh Mustapha Jawara paid a courtesy call on her at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here, according to a foreign ministry press release.

Shama said successful completion of the case would help boost the confidence of the Rohingyas to return voluntarily to their homeland in Myanmar.

The Gambia instituted proceedings against Myanmar at the ICJ under the Genocide Convention, with the initiative being pursued under the auspices of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the release said.

During the meeting, the two sides reaffirmed the longstanding friendship and growing cooperation between Bangladesh and The Gambia.

They also expressed satisfaction over cooperation between the two countries at multilateral forums, including the United Nations and its affiliated bodies, OIC, Commonwealth and Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

The State Minister called for greater bilateral cooperation in trade and commerce, information and communication technology (ICT), agriculture, pharmaceuticals, jute and jute goods, light engineering and shipbuilding.

She also stressed strengthening people-to-people contacts between the two countries.

Shama underscored the importance of exchanging high-level business delegations to explore opportunities and boost bilateral trade and investment.

The Gambian envoy, meanwhile, expressed appreciation for the contribution of Bangladeshi ICT experts to implementing digital public-service infrastructure in The Gambia.

He also sought an early conclusion of an instrument on political consultations between Bangladesh and The Gambia.