China wants to see a peaceful solution to Rohingya crisis bilaterally and send them back to their homeland – Myanmar, says an official on Wednesday.
“Their intention and commitment for sending them (Rohingyas) back is now stronger,” Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque told reporters quoting Chinese special envoy of Asian Affairs Sun Guoxiang after their meeting.
He said naturally Bangladesh raised their stance and he informed the Chinese envoy that six months ago when he came here, the number of Rohingyas was four lakh and now it is one million. “It’s reality.”
The Foreign Secretary said they (China) are very worried about the crisis thinking that it is not good for this region.
He, however, said the question of mediating by China into the crisis did not come up for discussion.
“We sought support in the areas where we need. We’re always optimistic and this time, too (regarding repatriation),” said the Foreign Secretary adding that he sees some positive signs.
He said the only issue discussed at the meeting was Rohingya issue and Bangladesh’s position is to send them back safely.
“Our stance is that their nationals will have to be taken back. It’s our one-point agenda. It’s unbearable burden. The Prime Minister (Sheikh Hasina) allowed them to stay here on humanitarian ground. But their stay can’t be lingered,” he said.
Replying to a query what is China’s position over the issue, the Foreign Secretary said Myanmar and Bangladesh are both friends of China. “They want to bring a peaceful resolution working with the two friends.”
Sun Guoxiang, who arrived at 12:50am on Wednesday, will leave Dhaka for Beijing early Thursday.
