US cooperation on Rohingya issue to be enhanced: US acting under secry

The United States has said that it will work "hand in hand" with Bangladesh on the Rohingya issue, not only through aid but also through sustained support for the voluntary, dignified and safe return of Rohingyas to their homes in Myanmar.

"Our cooperation in responding to the Rohingya crisis is the fruit of a strong bilateral relationship that we seek to enhance even further," said US Acting Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Heather Nauert.

Speaking at the Independence Day reception at Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC on Wednesday, Nauert said the close bonds between Bangladesh and the US have never been more essential --and Bangladesh's leadership more vital --than during this tragic humanitarian crisis.

Nauert, who made her maiden overseas visit to Bangladesh last November as the State Department's Spokesperson, said she was deeply moved by her visit to Cox's Bazar and to see Bangladeshi people opening their doors and their hearts to the Rohingyas fleeing violence in Myanmar.

Earlier in the day, Nauert placed wreath at the bust of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman installed in chancery premises.

Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA Mohammad Ziauddin also spoke at the reception.

Diplomats from foreign missions, officials of different departments of the US government, politicians, intellectuals, businessmen, high civil and military officials, senior journalists and leading members of the Bangladesh community attended the reception at Bangabandhu Auditorium in the evening.

Ambassador Ziauddin said the US accorded Bangladesh phenomenal political and humanitarian support, a reflection of this has been the US administration's  in the case of the 7,00,000 Rohingyas who fled ethnic cleansing to cross over to Bangladesh.