Rohingya Repatriation: Next round talks look uncertain

Amid the changed situation in Myanmar, the next round of virtual discussion on Rohingya repatriation, scheduled for tomorrow, looks uncertain.

Bangladesh is yet to establish any contact with the new military-led interim government in Myanmar, but it communicated with the Chinese ambassador in Dhaka as China is mediating talks between Bangladesh and Myanmar on Rohingya repatriation.

"We had a conversation with the Chinese ambassador here on Monday. Let's wait until tomorrow [today]," Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen told reporters at the foreign ministry yesterday.

He said they were waiting for feedback from Myanmar about the planned DG-level working group meeting as there was no formal communication with the interim government of Myanmar.

Masud said they had a preference for talks on February 4 with Myanmar and China was enquiring about it. "There might be some logistical issues since there has been a change in Myanmar."

He said Bangladesh wants to hold the working group meeting with Myanmar as soon as possible and follow the remaining agreed roadmap on Rohingya repatriation. "We conveyed it to the Chinese side."

Responding to a question, the foreign secretary said diplomacy can continue with everybody and at every level. He referred to Bangladesh Army chief Gen Aziz Ahmed's visit to Myanmar.

He said Bangladesh will establish communications with the new interim government in Myanmar once it becomes functional.

"We've been persistent in developing mutually beneficial relations with Myanmar and have been working with Myanmar for the voluntary, safe and sustained repatriation of the Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh," said the Bangladesh foreign ministry on Monday.

The foreign secretary said Bangladesh remains more vigilant along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border amid the changed situation in Myanmar.

Replying to another question, Masud said Bangladesh wants to see Rohingya repatriation issue is discussed at the UN Security Council meeting. He said they were focusing on accountability and repatriation fronts.

"Due to the changed situation in Myanmar, issues related to getting back democracy on track and political matters will come up for discussion. But we want to see that Rohingya issue is discussed at the meeting."