Start Rohingya repatriation immediately

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday renewed her call to Myanmar to immediately start the repatriation of the Rohingyas.

"We're continuing our bilateral talks with Myanmar so that the Myanmar nationals [Rohingyas] could return to their country.... It's my call to Myanmar to soon start taking back their nationals from Bangladesh," she said.

The PM was addressing a parade marking the handover of National Standard (national flag) to the Corps of Military Police (CMP) Centre and School at Savar Cantonment.

Referring to the influx of over six lakh Myanmar citizens to Bangladesh since August 25, Hasina said they were a burden on Bangladesh. "Despite many limitations, they're being provided with various facilities, including shelter, food and medical care."

She mentioned that her government took many steps for resolving the Rohingya crisis while various forces, including the Armed Forces, police, BGB and Rab along with the administration, public representatives and civilian people were providing necessary services to the Rohingyas.

The PM also urged all, including the Armed Forces members, to work with utmost sincerity to ensure Bangladesh's welfare and development to take it to a dignified position at the global stage.

She also hoped that Bangladesh Army would play an important role in public welfare activities alongside promoting democracy and constitutional rule in the country.

Hasina said Bangladesh Army has emerged as a disciplined and modern force in the world. Modernisation and training for enhancing the army's professional excellence would continue in future, she added.

She said two new Military Police (MP) units were set up. The units were being equipped with modern technologies and transport, she told the programme.

The PM said it is a matter of great pride that Bangladesh is now a brand name in the UN peacekeeping missions. "Members of the Bangladesh Armed Forces are bringing honour and dignity for the nation through their immense sacrifice, dutifulness and professionalism during discharging their duties in the peacekeeping missions."

The premier inspected the parade and took salute.

Later, Hasina inaugurated the newly-constructed CMP Centre and School Complex at the cantonment.

Addressing a luncheon in honour of her on the premises of CMP Centre and School, the PM asked the institution to uphold the dignity of the national flag.

She said her government has a plan to recruit female army personnel into the Corps of Military Police.

On her arrival at the venue, she was received by Army Chief General Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Huq, GOC of Army Training and Doctrine Command Lt Gen Aziz Ahmed, and CMP Centre and School Commandant Brig Gen Md Mahfuzur Rahman.

Ministers, lawmakers, PM's Security Adviser Maj Gen (retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique, the navy chief, and top civil and military officials were present.