Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said the Rohingyas should return to their homeland as the outgoing Chinese envoy to Bangladesh Li Jiming made a courtesy call on her at her official Ganabhaban residence in capital Dhaka.
“Myanmar is their (Rohingyas) country and they are its residents. They are now becoming a huge burden for us due to numerous reasons including food security. We gave them shelter on humanitarian grounds. Now they should go to their homeland," she said.
The prime minister hoped that Myanmar would take back its nationals.
At the meeting, the Chinese envoy also expressed his optimism that the repatriation of the Rohingyas would start by next year.
"Rohingyas will start going to their homeland by next year," he hoped.
PM's Deputy Press Secretary KM Shakhawat Moon told a news briefing after the meeting.
The prime minister expressed her satisfaction over the progress of several mega projects in Bangladesh assisted by China.
She thanked China for its investment in Bangabandhu Tunnel under Karnaphuli River in Chattogram.
She said that Bangladesh always firmly believes in upholding humanity, friendship and peace.
"So, Bangladesh wants to maintain friendly relations with neighbouring countries," she said.
The prime minister greeted the outgoing Chinese ambassador for completing his tenure and wished his success on his next assignment.
She also appreciated Li Jiming for his outstanding contribution to elevating Bangladesh-China bilateral relationship to another height.
The Chinese envoy has highly praised Sheikh Hasina's visionary leadership for making tremendous socio-economic advancement of Bangladesh.
"It has been possible for you," he added.
The premier greeted the Chinese president and prime minister for their continuous support in the development of Bangladesh.
PM's outgoing Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus was present at the meeting.
Source: BSS