President Abdul Hamid on Thursday urged Myanmar to take steps so that the displaced Rohingyas can return to their homeland in Rakhine with dignity and safety.
He also requested them to create a congenial atmosphere and build confidence in this regard.
President Hamid came up with the call when a seven-member delegation, led by Myanmar Home Minister Lt Gen Kyaw Swe met him at Bangabhaban in the evening. During the meeting, the President laid emphasis on the implementation of Kofi Annan Commission’s recommendation to end the Rohingya crisis.
He mentioned that a ‘joint-working group’ has already been formed following the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) titled ‘arrangement on return of displaced persons from the Rakhine estate’was signed between Bangladesh and Myanmar for the repatriation process, and hoped that the Myanmar government would take initiatives to rebuild their houses as well as to give back their property, including arable land,shops and business centres, immediately after their return. On different bilateral issues, the President said Bangladesh and Myanmar can work together on different issues, including peace, security and development.
He said, “If a peaceful environment exists in frontier areas between the two countries, the bilateral trade and commerce will also be expanded in the days to come.” Myanmar Home Minister Lieutenant General Kyaw Swe said his country is ready to start the repatriation process of Rohingyas and a reception camp has already been set up in this regard. He said their government will implement the recommendations of the Kofi Annan Commission gradually. Kyaw Swe also lauded the development activities in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, secretaries concerned and senior civil and military officials were present on the occasion.
