Efforts underway to resolve Myanmar firing: Quader

Awami League General Secretary and also Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has said that efforts are being made to resolve the issue of Myanmar's firing reaching Saint Martin's Island through discussions with the country.

He said: "Efforts are ongoing and Bangladesh will continue to seek resolution through discussions, avoiding war. However, if attacked, a response will be given."

He made the remarks at the Awami League president's office in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi on Saturday afternoon, reports UNB.o

“Our neighboring country Myanmar has some internal crises. They have 54 ethnic groups. There are conflicts among them. It will be very unfortunate if we suffer from their internal crisis. There is a military government in power there. We are trying to solve it through discussions and will continue to do so avoiding war. However, if we are attacked, we will respond to that attack. There is no reason to underestimate us. We are ready,” said Quader.

Referring to the Rohingya crisis that has overwhelmed Bangladesh, the AL leader said, “Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina generously opened the borders for humanitarian reasons. For this, she is called the ‘Mother of Humanity’. Now, countries and organizations around the world praise us for this and provide lip service.

“But the amount of assistance for Rohingyas has decreased significantly. We are worried about the ongoing economic crisis. The additional burden of 10-12 lakh Rohingyas is creating pressure. Big countries in the world that talk about this crisis, we don't need their lip service. We need to lift the burden of the Rohingyas off our shoulders. We are making every effort. Wherever our Prime Minister goes, she raises the Rohingya issue first,” the minister said.