DHAKA, Oct 16 (NNN-BSS) — Bangladesh put emphasis on immediate repatriation of the Rohingyas in their homeland and reiterated call to the international community, including the United States, to help in their rehabilitation process.
“We want immediate repatriation of the Rohingyas and the world community, including the United States, should help rehabilitate them in their homeland of Myanmar,” Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said.
The prime minister made the appeal when US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen E. Beigun paid a courtesy call on her at her official Ganabhaban residence here Thursday afternoon.
After the meeting,
In this connection, Stephen E. Beigun said the United States wants permanent solution to the protracted Rohingya crisis. “We’ll continue to extend our support to Bangladesh on this issue,” PM’s Press Secretray Ihsanul Karim in his briefing to reporters.
The prime minister mentioned that there are over 1.1 million forcibly displaced Rohingya people in Bangladesh.
“It’s an extra burden for us. The problem has been created by Myanmar and we’re holding dialogues with them … they should take back their citizens,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina said the Rohingya issue is a social problem, and a huge number of the displaced Myanmar nationals are living in camps in Cox’s Bazar.
“Some quarters could mislead them to be involved in anti-social activities. So, we need their immediate repatriation to their homeland,” she said.
The US deputy secretary of state, who arrived in Bangladesh on Wednesday, said he has already discussed the issue of economic cooperation with Bangladesh officials.
“The US government will closely work with Bangladesh for promoting economic and trade relations,” he said.
He said the Bangladesh is attracting foreign investment in huge volume, mentioning that the United States wants to further strengthen the cooperation with Bangladesh in the energy sector.
The prime minister said her government is setting up 100 special economic zones across the country to attract more investment from home and abroad as well as generate employment. — NNN-BSS