Dhaka – President Abdul Hamid urged Myanmar on Thursday to take back Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh.
He made the call when outgoing Myanmar Ambassador in Dhaka Myo Myint Than met him at Bangabhaban in the afternoon.
President’s Press Secretary Md Joynal Abedin briefed reporters after the meeting.
During the meeting, the President said Bangladesh has been bearing the brunt of repeated exodus of Rakhine Muslims into Bangladesh.
He informed the Myanmar envoy that around 34,000 registered refugees have been waiting for repatriation while about two lakh undocumented Myanmar nationals have also been living in makeshift camps here.
In addition, Hamid said, around 76,000 Rohingyas took shelters in Bangladesh after October 2016, and they are a huge burden for the country. “Both countries should start talks on a process to repatriate them to Myanmar.”
About the existing bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Myanmar, he said Bangladesh always gives emphasis on strengthening bilateral relations with neighbours.
Hamid said the relations between the two countries are rooted in geographical proximity, shared history spanning over many centuries and commonalities in cultures and traditions.
About the global terrorism, he said Bangladesh maintains zero tolerance to terrorism and militancy. “Bangladesh doesn’t allow armed groups or insurgents to use its territory against any neighbour. We’re firm in our policy of respecting national sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs of other countries,” the President added.
Hamid stressed the need for arranging exchange-visits at private and public levels between Bangladesh and Myanmar aiming to boost trade and investment in the both countries.
Outgoing Myanmar Ambassador Myo Myint Than hoped that the bilateral relations between the two neighbouring countries will further be strengthened in the days to come.
Secretaries concerned to the President were present. -UNB
