Rohingyas need UN or OIC-run 'safe zone'
President Abdul Hamid yesterday proposed that a “safe zone” for the displaced Myanmar nationals should be created under the initiatives and supports of the United Nations and organisations such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
The president came up with the call at a meeting with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sideline of the OIC summit in Kazakhstan.
“A 'safe zone' for displaced Myanmar nationals to be run by the United Nations or the OIC and other international organisations can be established to ensure their safe return,” he said at the bilateral meeting at the Kazakhstan capital.
President Hamid also urged global leaders to put pressure on Myanmar to implement the recommendation of the Kofi Annan Commission for establishing the rights of the minority Rohingya Muslims at their homeland.
He said surges of refugees fleeing their home to evade persecution exposed the densely populated Bangladesh to a great difficulty causing socioeconomic and environmental problems.
He also urged the Turkish leader to mount pressure on Myanmar along with other world leaders to take back its nationals.
President Hamid thanked Erdogan for the Turkish first lady and foreign minister's recent visit to Bangladesh to see the plight of the Rohingyas.
He also thanked the Turkish president for taking an initiative to arrange a special session on the Rohingya issue in the OIC Summit.
President Erdogan said Turkey has already sent 1,000 tonnes of aid to Bangladesh for the Rohingya refugees and assured of sending additional 10,000 tonnes immediately. He said Istanbul would take necessary steps so that the other countries also extend their supports.
Top government officials from Bangladesh and Turkey were present at the meeting.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will visit the Rohingya refugee camps at Kutupalong of Ukhiya Upazila in Cox's Bazar district tomorrow.
PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim said the premier will see the condition of the refugees in different camps, meet the officials and distribute relief materials.
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