While stating that he has written to his counterpart in Myanmar in this regard, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said Bangladesh wants to initiate the repatriation of Rohingyas this year.
Sahidul Hasan Khokon, Dhaka: Bangladesh has written to Myanmar over the issue of repatriation of Rohingya Muslims. The announcement by Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen comes days after the UNGA passed a resolution in this regard.
While addressing a press briefing on Sunday, AK Abdul Momen said he wrote a letter to his counterpart in Myanmar on the occasion of the New Year. “In the New Year, a letter has been sent to the State Council office in Myanmar,” Momen said.
“Japan will also cooperate with us in the Rohingya repatriation. Japan has a huge investment in Myanmar. India and China are also working on the Rohingya repatriation. They all want a solution to this crisis,” Momen said in response to a question.
Bangladesh wants to implement the repatriation process this year, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen told journalists. He went on to add, “You know for many years, we have been trying this. After the start of the campaign in Rakhine on August 25, 2016, Rohingyas came to Bangladesh over a period of seven months and took refuge. Four lakh more Rohingyas have taken shelter in Bangladesh since.”
The government of Myanmar, in the face of international pressure, signed an agreement with Bangladesh in this regard in 2016. However, the repatriation of Rohingya Muslims is yet to begin.
Referring to Myanmar’s role in the repatriation, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Momen said, “You have repeatedly said that they will not go. You are saying that you will do it in a helpful environment so that it goes smoothly. But progress has been done. For this, political goodwill is needed. In the New Year, we hope you keep your word.”
Expressing fears of unrest among Rohingya Muslims, the Bangladesh Foreign Minister told reporters, “There is a possibility of unrest among Rohingyas and if there is unrest, it is inconvenient for everyone. Our hope is to improve this region [it will be disrupted] because development is not possible without peace.”
Asked about a resolution passed by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Thursday, Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said Rohingyas are facing a human rights crisis. As many as 132 countries supported the proposal at the UNGA while nine opposed it. Countries that opposed the resolution include Myanmar, Russia, Belarus, Cambodia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, the Philippines, Vietnam and Zambia.
On the other hand, countries that voted in favour of the resolution include India, Japan, South Korea, Bhutan, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Naples among others.
“We have given a letter to all those who have voted for or against. Those who have voted for can do a better job in this regard. That is why we are not angry with anyone,” Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said.
