PM seeks Chinese cooperation to repatriate Rohingyas

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday called upon China to help Bangladesh repatriate the forcibly displaced Rohingyas to their homeland Myanmar.

"Help sending the Rohingya back to Myanmar," she was quoted as saying by Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud in a media briefing on her engagements on the second day of her visit to China.

The premier made the remarks when a high-level Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), a very important wing of the Chinese Communist Party led by its Chairman Wang Hunning, held a meeting with her at her Place of Residence in Beijing this morning.

During the meeting, different regional and bilateral issues, including the Rohingya crisis, reducing trade gap between Bangladesh and China, celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries in a meaningful way, measures to enhance their bilateral relations and contact between Bangladesh Awami League and Chinese Communist Party, were prominently and elaborately discussed.

The Bangladesh premier said Rohingyas have taken shelter over six and a half years ago but no initiative has been taken yet to repatriate them to Myanmar.

"This issue was discussed (during the meeting) with most importance," Dr Hasan said.

The CPCC chairman said they will discuss the matter with Myanmar and China will play a role of facilitator between Bangladesh and Myanmar over the issue.

"We will give our highest efforts to initiate Rohingya repatriation by holding discussions with the Rohingyas," Wang Hunning said.

Finance Minister A H Mahmood Ali, PM's Press Secretary M Nayeemul Islam Khan and Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Managing Director and Chief Editor Abul Kalam Azad were present, among others, during the briefing.

Source: BSS