Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has said Myanmar “should keep their promise” for the repatriation of the Rohingyas to their place of origin in Rakhine State.
“We are ready to send them back. Myanmar should keep their promise. They should come forward and do their part of the job,” Momen told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.
Despite assurance from the Myanmar side, not a single person was taken back over the last five years, said the foreign minister.
Bangladesh is hosting over 1.1 million Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char.
Momen also criticised the countries which are doing “business as usual” with Myanmar though they talk about human rights issues.
“These are not acceptable. If you truly value human rights, then you need to remain aware of it,” he said, referring to the trade and investment relations of the European Union and the UK with Myanmar.
Momen said Myanmar agreed to take them back after verification and assured that they will provide safety and security for the Rohingyas there.
“They made a commitment to create a condition for a safe and dignified return,” he said, adding that the saddest thing is that not a single Rohingya could return.
Noting Myanmar’s internal problems, the foreign minister said where there is a will, there is a way despite those problems.
“We are trying our best…..the process must start,” Momen said.
Source: United News of Bangladesh