Chair of the USCIRF Stephen Schneck met with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the foreign ministry today. Photo: MoFA

DHAKA, 26 May 2025 (BSS) – Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain today expressed concerns over the widespread rumour campaigns during the post-July uprising by vested quarters. 

He made the concern when Chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Stephen Schneck paid a courtesy call on him at the foreign ministry here. 

In response to the foreign adviser, the visiting The USCIRF Chair urged all concerned to rely on verified and evidence-based reports. 

During the meeting, USCIRF Chair briefed Hossain on his current visit to gain a first-hand understanding of the country’s social, political, and religious landscape. 

Welcoming the visit of the of the Chair of the USCIRF, the Foreign Adviser underscored the value of such visits in promoting mutual understanding, countering misinformation and disinformation, and presenting an accurate picture of the ground reality. 

Stephen agreed with the Foreign Adviser’s views and appreciated the Government’s openness and receptivity to constructive engagements and dialogues.

The Foreign Adviser reaffirmed the interim government’s commitment to democratic reforms, equality and justice, and protection of human rights for all citizens irrespective of race, religion, caste, or ethnicity. 

Hossain reiterated the pluralistic nature of our society where people of all faiths have coexisted peacefully for centuries. 

He emphasized the Government’s zero-tolerance policy toward communal violence and discrimination. 

In this regard, he highlighted various recent security and administrative measures undertaken by the Interim Government to ensure the rights of all concerned.

Schneck informed the Foreign Adviser on the mechanisms of the USCIRF including its flagship annual report and special reports. 

Hossain reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining a secure environment for all communities and expressed Bangladesh’s willingness to engage constructively with the USCIRF on its reporting and recommendations.

The Foreign Adviser urged the US side for its active support to ensure the sustainable repatriation of the forcibly displaced Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar. 

Sharing this concern and his firsthand knowledge of visiting Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar in 2022, Schneck expressed his strong hope for a lasting solution for the forcibly displaced Rohingyas.