Dhaka seeks Tokyo’s help in Rohingya repatriation

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen yesterday sought Japan's strong support in resolving the Rohingya crisis.

In another development, Bangladesh Ambassador in Greece Ashud Ahmed sought support from Greece for the repatriation of Rohingya refugees who fled persecution in their homeland in Myanmar's Rakhine state.

Stressing the need to ensure peace, stability and prosperity in the region, the foreign minister urged Japanese Ambassador Naoki Ito to use his government's leverage with Myanmar to create a conducive environment for an early, safe, sustainable and dignified repatriation of 1.1 million Rohingya refugees temporarily sheltered in Bangladesh, reports UNB.

Dr Momen discussed the issue when the ambassador met him yesterday.

The ambassador referred to Japanese Foreign Minister Totshimitsu Motegi's recent visit to Myanmar, where he called upon the Myanmar authorities for early repatriation of the Rohingya refugees and assured that his government would continue to pursue the matter.

He said Japan reiterated its position regarding repatriation at the Conference on Sustaining Support for the Rohingya Refugee Response held on October 22.

The foreign minister appreciated Japan's continued support to strengthen infrastructure and socio-economic development of Bangladesh.

He urged Japanese entrepreneurs to invest in two special economic zones -- in Araihazar (Narayanganj) and Gazipur.

Dr Momen called upon Japanese businesses to take advantage of Bangladesh's high corporate profitability, business-friendly policies, massive domestic market and strategic access to key markets across the world.

He termed Bangladesh a good destination for investment and hoped to elevate further the level of cooperation between the two friendly countries.

Ambassador Naoki referred to the newly-elected Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and expressed Japan's keenness to further strengthen bilateral relations.

Both the foreign minister and the ambassador expressed satisfaction at the excellent bilateral relations and agreed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2022 by organising special events.

Dr Momen also thanked the government of Japan for its support in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

BANGLADESH SEEKS GREEK SUPPORT

Bangladesh Ambassador in Greece Ashud Ahmed raised the issue of Rohingya repatriation before Greece President Katerina Sakellaropoulou while presenting his credentials during a ceremony at the Greek Presidency in Athens on Friday, the Embassy said in a social media post yesterday.

Ambassador Ahmed said Bangladesh has created "a unique example of humanity" while providing shelter to about 1.1 million Rohingya refugees.

During the meeting held between the Greek president and the Bangladesh envoy following the credential presentation ceremony, the president congratulated and felicitated Ambassador Ahmed on his important assignment.

The Bangladesh envoy thanked President Sakellaropoulou for accepting his credentials and giving her audience, and conveyed to the president the greetings and regards of President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

During the meeting, the Bangladesh envoy also discussed different bilateral issues including economic cooperation between the two countries.