Bangladesh wants Asean support
Bangladesh has sought stronger support and cooperation from Asean nations for safe and sustainable return of Rohingyas to Myanmar and reintegration with their society.
“Bangladesh is keen to resolve this problem peacefully and with good neighbourly spirit. If left unresolved, the crisis has the potential to destabilise the entire region,” said MP Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun, while addressing Asean Day celebration at the Thai embassy in Dhaka yesterday.
The forum’s Dhaka committee organised the Asean flag raising ceremony followed by a food festival on the occasion.
Nurul Majid said the 1.1 million Rohingya living in Bangladesh created various challenges for the country’s economy, ecology, and society.
“So, we solicit support and cooperation from Asean friends and partners for solving the crisis,” the minister said.
He also mentioned other issues including degradation of marine environment, trafficking of illicit drugs and arms, robbery in the sea, illegal fishing, cyber crimes, and human trafficking.
“We call upon the Asean community to increase cooperation in responding to these emerging threats,” Nurul Majid said, addressing as chief guest.
He said Bangladesh would continue its efforts in coordination with Asean countries to mobilise domestic and international resources for addressing climate change.
He said Bangladesh desires to become a “sectoral dialogue partner” of Asean.
In her remarks as Asean Chair, Thai Ambassador Arunrung Phothong Humphreys highlighted unity of the forum and the people-centred community, which he said remains future-focused for the benefits of succeeding generations.
This aspect is captured in Thailand Asean Chairmanship theme of “Advancing Partnership for Sustainability”, she said.
Humphreys said Asean wants to work with Bangladesh to promote regional peace and sustainable development.
Asean Dhaka Committee Chair William Chik, consul of Singapore, said in 52 years, the forum has been able to enhance cooperation among its members.
Haji Haris Bin Haji Othman, high commissioner of Brunei Darussalam; Rina P Soemarno, ambassador of Indonesia; Lwin Oo, ambassador of Myanmar; Vicente Vivencio T Bandillo, ambassador of the Philippines; Tran Van Khoa, ambassador of Vietnam, and Amir Farid Abu Hasan, acting high commissioner of Malaysia, were also present.
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