Arakan News Desk: ITO Naoki, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh, attended a seminar on Rohingya crisis and pathways to pepatriation organised by Dhaka University, Center of Genocide Studies at Sugandha State Guest House.
The seminar was held on the day to mark the 5th year since the massive influx of Rohingyas to Bangladesh.
Dr. Abdul Momen, Foreign Minister, Masud Bin Momen, Foreign Secretary, Noeleen Heyzer, Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary General on Myanmar, Anne van Leeuwen, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Bangladesh, Rowe Mackenzie, the refugee coordinator of the Embassy of United States of America, also participated and addressed the event.
Speaking on the occasion, ITO Naoki expressed his appreciation to the Government of Bangladesh to provide shelters to a million of Rohingyas for five years.
Following to that, he referred to the new contribution, total 8.2 million USD to UNHCR and WFP, which Japan has decided in August.
He also highlighted the importance of changing the ground reality in Cox’s Bazar and in Bhasan Char Island, so that Rohingyas can have a hope toward the future.
With this regard, he suggested the government to make an exclusive effort by allowing private companies to hire Rohingyas to boost the livelihoods and skills development opportunities in Bhasan Char.
At the end of his speech, he said “Japan will continue to work closely with the international community, including ASEAN, to improve the situation in Myanmar, and make our utmost effort to create conditions for voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation. Japan will continue standing by the Government and the people of Bangladesh.”
