Responsibility lies with Myanmar

The ambassadors of three Nordic countries -- Denmark, Norway and Sweden -- have promised a stronger partnership with Bangladesh with a focus on green growth and increased investment flow.

The three countries also emphasised ending Rohingya crisis through safe and sustainable return of the Myanmar nationals to their place of origin in Rakhine State, reminding Myanmar that the responsibility lies with them.

Danish Ambassador Winnie Estrup Petersen, Norwegian Ambassador Sidsel Bleken and Swedish Ambassador Charlotta Schlyter shared their priority areas from renewable energy to blue economy, sustainable use of ocean resources, climate change and rights issues.

They also sought a more favourable environment for investment in Bangladesh.

Issues related to labour and other rights, role of private sector, ocean pollution, climate change, river and air pollution, women rights and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were also discussed at the dialogue.The ambassadors were addressing a symposium titled "Bangladesh and Nordic Countries: Prognosis for Partnership" at a city hotel on Saturday.

Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, principal research fellow, Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore, chaired and conducted the symposium while Cosmos Foundation Chairman Enayetullah Khan delivered welcome remarks.

Cosmos Foundation, a charitable organisation under Cosmos Group, hosted the event as part of Cosmos Dialogue Ambassadors' Lecture Series.

The ambassadors stationed in Dhaka stressed on resolving the Rohingya crisis.

"Norway has repeatedly said that the responsibility for creating a conducive environment that ensures the return of Rohingyas lies on the government of the Myanmar," said Ambassador Bleken.

She said the ICJ order on provisional measures under the Genocide Convention is an important step towards ensuring protection of Rohingyas. "The order is legally binding and we expect Myanmar to fully implement the order."

Appreciating Bangladesh's role, she said Norway will continue its humanitarian efforts for Rohingyas and the host communities apart from continuing their dialogue with Myanmar to solve the situation.

Swedish Ambassador Schlyter said it will be important that Rohingyas can return home and responsibility rests on Myanmar for making their "voluntary, safe and sustainable" return possible.

Danish Ambassador Winnie Estrup Petersen emphasised building peace in Myanmar and addressing the accountability issues for atrocities committed against Rohingyas in Rakhine State.

The ambassador said Bangladesh is blessed with a vibrant youth population and they need to be engaged and heard. "That's crucial for the future of this young democracy."Dr Iftekhar said the purpose to have such a productive discussion is to have leaders interact with diplomats and foreign ministry representatives on core issues.

Enayetullah Khan said Bangladesh enjoys a good relationship with the Nordic countries and termed the relations "all-weather friendship". He said the Nordic commitment and contribution to international development is by no means reflected only in Bangladesh.

Former Ambassador Farooq Sobhan; former adviser to a caretaker government Rasheda K Chowdhury; former principal secretary to the prime minister Md Nojibur Rahman; foreign affairs experts; civil society members; business leaders and journalists attended the event.

The five Nordic countries -- Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden -- all recognised Bangladesh on the same day - February 4, 1972.