President M Abdul Hamid on Thursday sought cooperation of France for putting international pressure on the Myanmar government to repatriate the Rohingyas to their homeland.
The President sought the cooperation when outgoing French Ambassador to Bangladesh, Sophie Aubert called on him at Bangabhaban here.
“Though Bangladesh is a densely populated country, it has sheltered the Rohingya Muslims on humanitarian grounds … I seek cooperation of your country (France) to put pressure on Myanmar to take back the refugees entering the Bangladesh territory being the worst victims of atrocities (in Myanmar),” President’s Press Secretary M Joynal Abedin quoted the President as telling the envoy.
Terming the existing relationship between Bangladesh and France ‘excellent’, Abdul Hamid hoped that bilateral trade and investment would further boost in days ahead.
The President congratulated the French ambassador on completion of his successful tenure in Bangladesh and recalled with gratitude the contribution of France to Bangladesh’s Liberation War in 1971 and subsequently its recognition to Bangladesh as an independent country on February 14 in 1972.
Noting that France is a tested friend of Bangladesh, Abdul Hamid said the mutual understanding and exchange of visits by foreign ministers in last two years intensified the relations between the two countries.
“Bangladesh Prime Minister’s visit to the UNESCO General Conference scheduled to be held next month (in Paris on October 31, 2107) will reach the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and France a new height,” the President hoped.
