Bangladesh ready to assist Rohingya rehabilitation after repatriation: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said the Rohingya crisis is one of the biggest challenges for Bangladesh. He also reiterated that Bangladesh is ready to provide all necessary diplomatic and strategic cooperation for the proper rehabilitation of Rohingyas in Myanmar after the repatriation process.

The Prime Minister made the remarks during a courtesy meeting with Japan's Special Envoy for National Reconciliation in Myanmar and Chairman of the renowned Nippon Foundation, Yohei Sasakawa, at the Prime Minister's Office in the Secretariat on Monday, September 7. The meeting covered sustainable solutions to the Rohingya crisis, regional stability, vaccine production and economic partnership, PM's Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Swadhin said.

At the start of the meeting, Special Envoy Sasakawa said he has been working dedicatedly for peace, eliminating discrimination and humanitarian service in various parts of the world for nearly five decades. Referring to his ongoing responsibilities as Japan's representative for peace and reconciliation in Myanmar, he said he is fully aware of the immense social and economic pressure that the long-standing Rohingya crisis has placed on Bangladesh. He briefed the Prime Minister on Japan's financial assistance and relief efforts for the displaced people.

The Prime Minister welcomed Sasakawa and praised his long-standing humanitarian contributions. He said that despite being a highly populated country, Bangladesh has been sheltering a vast number of Rohingyas on humanitarian grounds for a long time, creating immense pressure on the national economy, local social infrastructure, environment and overall administrative management.

The Prime Minister called for ensuring safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of Rohingyas to their homeland, Myanmar. He urged Sasakawa to play an active role from his personal and institutional position to achieve this goal. He also reiterated Bangladesh's readiness to provide all necessary diplomatic and strategic cooperation for the proper rehabilitation of Rohingyas after repatriation.

Sasakawa said he has held positive discussions with the President of Myanmar on effectively resolving the crisis, and that the Myanmar government is sincere in addressing the issue. However, he noted that the ongoing internal conflict and complex situation in Rakhine State are the main reasons the repatriation process has not progressed as desired. The Prime Minister said that upon their return, the Rohingyas would have opportunities for education, healthcare and improved civic life. Sasakawa assured the Prime Minister that he would continue his best efforts to resolve the crisis. Both sides agreed to strengthen bilateral communication and multilateral international initiatives.

The Prime Minister also sought Japan's technical assistance in establishing a modern vaccine production centre in Bangladesh, to which Sasakawa assured his sincere cooperation. The Prime Minister also invited Japanese investment, highlighting Bangladesh's investment-friendly environment. The meeting was attended by Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Ministers for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir and Shama Obaid, and PM's Special Assistant Shakirul Islam Khan.