Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday urged Japan’s Special Envoy for National Reconciliation in Myanmar, Yohei Sasakawa, to play a role in ensuring the safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of Rohingyas to their homeland.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Sasakawa, who is also Chairman of the Nippon Foundation, made a courtesy call on the Prime Minister at his office at the Bangladesh Secretariat, as stated by PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Shadhin. During the meeting, the Japanese special envoy, who has been working for nearly 50 years to promote peace and address inequality globally, briefed Tarique on his role in Myanmar’s national reconciliation process.
Highlighting the severe pressure the Rohingya crisis has placed on Bangladesh, Sasakawa expressed awareness of the situation and outlined Japan’s humanitarian assistance and grants for the Rohingyas. Tarique Rahman thanked Sasakawa for visiting Bangladesh and appreciated his long-standing humanitarian work.
The Prime Minister described the Rohingya crisis as one of Bangladesh’s biggest challenges, expressing gratitude to the Japanese government for supporting Bangladesh in addressing it. “Bangladesh is already a densely populated country. Hosting a huge number of Rohingyas for a prolonged period has created additional pressure on our economy, infrastructure, and overall management,” he stated. Tarique emphasized that Bangladesh is prepared to provide necessary cooperation for the rehabilitation of the Rohingyas in Myanmar following their repatriation.
Sasakawa shared that he discussed the Rohingya issue with Myanmar’s president and believes that the Myanmar government is sincere about resolving the crisis. However, he noted that the complex situation in Rakhine State means progress on Rohingya repatriation will take time. Tarique reassured that Bangladesh is ready to extend all-out cooperation for the Rohingyas’ repatriation, as their return to their homeland would create opportunities to improve their living standards, including access to education and healthcare.
Sasakawa assured the Prime Minister of his utmost efforts to help resolve the Rohingya crisis. The two sides also discussed the need to strengthen multilateral initiatives and international cooperation, rather than relying solely on bilateral efforts, to find a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis.
The Prime Minister also sought the Japanese envoy’s cooperation in establishing a vaccine production center in Bangladesh, to which Sasakawa responded with a commitment to work on the matter sincerely. Tarique further expressed Bangladesh’s eagerness to attract Japanese investment and the government’s effort to ensure an investment-friendly environment in the country. He also conveyed Bangladesh’s interest in further improving bilateral relations with Myanmar.
The meeting was attended by Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Finance and Planning Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister-1 for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, State Minister-2 for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed, and Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Shakirul Islam Khan.