Dhaka wants US support to create safe zone for Rohingyas

Dhaka, April 09 – Bangladesh has sought support from the United States to create a safe zone for Rohingyas in the Rakhine Stay of Myanmar, monitored by international human rights groups, with credible international pressure on Myanmar for their safe return.
Foreign Minister Dr. AK Abdul Momen made the request to the United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo while holding talks with the latter in US capital Washington, DC on Monday.
Bangladesh has also sought US cooperation in resolving the ongoing Rohingya crisis and repatriation of over 1 million forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals, as the situation is deepening with the passage of time.
Pompeo, however, said the Myanmar government and military have to take the responsibility to create conducive environment so that the Rohingyas feel safe to return home.
US Secretary of State re-assured that the more than one million forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals have to return to Myanmar without any form of fear and persecution, a press release said on Tuesday.
“It is the responsibility of the Myanmar government and military to create conducive environment so that the Rohingyas feel safe to return home,” Pompeo said.
He reiterated that US government would stand beside Bangladesh both politically and financially in finding a permanent solution to the Rohingya crisis.
He also lauded the humanitarian gesture of the government led by prime minister Sheikh Hasina for temporarily sheltering the persecuted Rohingyas.
Foreign minister Momen informed that Bangladesh at its own expense has developed the island “Bhashanchar” into a livable place in which one lakh Rohingyas are planned to be relocated in coordination with UN agencies and different aid groups.
He sought US support to the creation of a safe zone in Rakhine State monitored by international human rights groups.
Regarding deportation of Bangabandhu’s self-confessed and convicted killer Rashed Chowdhury from the USA, the Bangladesh foreign minister pointed out that he is fleeing justice.
About counter-terrorism, both leaders said this is essential to carry out a vital common agenda of both countries pertaining to counter-terrorism and countering-Violent extremism and upholding rule of law.
Regarding tapping open Indo-Pacific region, both leaders agreed that for greater prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, vital energy and infrastructure projects need to be implemented on regional partnership basis.
Momen stated that Bangladesh is lauded internationally for its impressive development journey.
He sought more investment from the USA in the oil and gas sector and US presence in the Special Economic Zones.
He also sought US support to the candidature of Bangladesh in the upcoming election to the post of Deputy Director General of International Organization for Migration (IOM).
This is the first meeting between the two leaders since their assumption of office in respective governments.
Later in the day, the visiting Bangladesh Minister held meetings with senior officials of the US State Department and Deputy National Security Adviser Charles Kupperman.
Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA Ambassador Mohammad Ziauddin accompanied the Minister at the meetings. – Staff Reporter