UK reiterates need for safe return of Rohingyas

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific Mark Field reiterated the UK’s deep appreciation for PM Sheikh Hasina’s role in the Rohingya refugee crisis and underlined the need for their safe return to Myanmar through involvement of UN agencies.

The newly appointed Bangladesh High Commissioner to UK Saida Muna Tasneem reassured the UK, that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in her new term would continue to uphold ‘humanitarianism ‘and ensure a voluntary, safe and sustainable return of forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals that fled to Bangladesh to escape persecution in Myanmar.

The minister also lauded PM Sheikh Hasina for including a younger generation of politicians in her new cabinet following the December 30 general elections, the UK Minister also hoped to see Bangladesh move forward towards greater growth and prosperity.

Field, who received Saida Muna Tasneem at his FCO office in London on Thursday has reaffirmed his commitment to further deepen UK-Bangladesh ties.

Mark Field also assured that UK would continue to play its leadership role in UN Security Council and bilaterally with Bangladesh in ensuring prevention of human rights violations and alleged ‘genocide’ of Rohingyas in Myanmar.

Field, who received Saida Muna Tasneem at his FCO office in London on Thursday has reaffirmed his commitment to further deepen UK-Bangladesh ties.

"UK attaches high importance to Bangladesh and a major focus of UK's relations with Bangladesh in the coming days will be to strengthen trade, economic and security cooperation," he added according to a press release.

He also commended Bangladesh for its leadership role in UN Peacekeeping and recognised the sacrifice made by fallen peacekeepers from Bangladesh for global peace.