EU delegation to visit Bangladesh to assess Rohingya situation

A high-powered parliamentary delegation of the European Union is coming to Bangladesh in the second week of February, to assess the Rohingya situation on the ground and discuss other important issues.

The delegation will include heads of the EU parliamentary standing committees for human rights, foreign affairs and trade.

The committee heads for human rights and trade will also visit Myanmar after Bangladesh visit.

Ambassador and Head of the EU Delegation in Dhaka Rensje Teerink brought up these issues when she met Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali at the latter's office yesterday.

She also said the EU is ready to extend all sorts of assistance to Bangladesh regarding Rohingya crisis and their repatriation to Myanmar.

Foreign Minister Ali informed that Bangladesh is only dealing the repatriation issue bilaterally with Myanmar and signed three instruments already for repatriation.

Bangladesh emphasises on the safe, sustainable return of the Rohingyas to their homeland and urged the international community including EU to retain pressure on Myanmar.

He informed that as per the agreements signed with Myanmar, UNHCR and WFP will be gradually engaged in the repatriation and reintegration process which is subject to the permission of the Myanmar authorities though.