Dhaka, April 18 – Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen yesterday said a high powered delegation from Bangladesh is going to hold a meeting with Myanmar government next month to bring out a solution to address the Rohingya crisis.
“Rohingya problem is the creation of Myanmar government. Hence they have to solve it. Without their assistance, this crisis cannot be resolved. We are going to hold a joint working group meeting with Myanmar at its capital Naypyidaw on May 3 in this regard,” he said.
While briefing the media on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s three-day visit to Brunei, the foreign minister came up with the reply of a question of the journalist at the foreign ministry.
Momen also said they were continuing pressure on Myanmar from different world forums including by ASEAN countries.
“The Rohingya crisis is not being possible to resolve with the assistance of Myanmar. Myanmar is not addressing it despite providing assurance. We would request ASEAN countries to take initiatives here to create a safe environment in Myanmar for the safe return of Rohingyas,” he added.
About the PM’s visit from April 21-23, foreign minister said, “The entourage led by Prime Minister will include me, agricultural minister, stare ministers for ministry of youth and sports, ministry of electricity, energy and mineral resources, fisheries and livestock ministry, and cultural affairs ministry as well as concerned high officials. Besides, a business delegation comprised of top businessmen will accompany the prime minister.”
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will hold bilateral talks with Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah and she will attend a state banquet in honour of her.
Hasina will also address a seminar on business and investment as chief guest organised by the Brunei government and business community there.
She will also attend a view exchange meeting with expatriate Bangladeshis. She will also lay the foundation stone for a new chancery building of Bangladesh High Commission.
Foreign Minister said seven instruments might be signed during the visit. Six are ready which are – MoU on scientific and technological assistance in the agricultural sector, MoU on cultural and industrial assistance, MoU on youth and sports assistance, MoU on assistance in the fisheries sector, MoU on assistance in the livestock sector and MoU on assistance in the energy sector.
The visit will also discuss on visa exemptions for diplomatic and government passport holders of Bangladesh.
The minister said the visit will play a significant role in expanding bilateral assistance in various areas including energy, commerce, investment, agriculture, food, air communication, human resource development, tourism and technical assistance.
He further said the visit will play a substantial role in realizing effective supports from member countries of ASEAN and Brunei in various regional and international issues including Rohingya crisis.
“I believe the visit will play a special role in enhancing Bangladesh relations with Southeast Asian nation’s organisation ASEAN for developing relations and effective assistance.
In reply to a query, the minister said Brunei is interested in setting up agro-based industries in Bangladesh.
Replying to another question, the foreign minister said, “We will visit the countries where we will get our investors. Brunei is a big investor. We hope we will get a good response from here during the visit.”
Foreign Minister also said they will talk about the expansion of the labour market for Bangladeshi workers.
In reply to a query of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia’s parole and preparation for sending her to London, “We don’t have any such information with us. Till now we did not get any such information.”
Drawing attention to the cancellation of the Indian visa of Bangladeshi actor Ferdous for allegedly taking part in campaign during ongoing Indian national election, he said, “If anybody comes from another country takes part in our national election campaign for a party what will you feel. Many will not like it. We think when a celebrated person goes to another country and takes part in the election campaign is not desirable. He (Ferdous) himself has expressed his apology. That’s enough.”
“I would not take part in any election campaign if I go abroad. He can give a better answer as to why he took part in the election. It would not be correct for a government official to take part in the election campaign while going to another country,” he added.
“Recently US President Donald Trump has set an example by campaigning on behalf of a country. God’s knows where we have been heading,” he added. – Staff Reporter
