Keep up pressure on Myanmar from different levels: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today stressed the need for keeping up pressure on Myanmar from different levels in various ways for resolving the Rohingya crisis.

The Prime Minister also said it is essential to help Rohingyas, too.

Sheikh Hasina made the remark when Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop met her at Intercontinental Sydney Hotel here.

Foreign Secretary Md Shahidul Haque briefed reporters after the meeting.

He said the Australian Foreign Minister said Australia is always for a solution to the Rohingya issue and asked what will be needed for reaching a solution to the crisis.

The Prime Minister told her that it will have to continue pressure on them (Myanmar) from different levels in various ways alongside helping Rohingyas, Shahidul quoted the Prime Minister as saying.

Hasina said an agreement has been signed with Myanmar in addition to exchange of official visits between the two countries, and Myanmar does not deny it. "But, they're yet to take action to implement the agreement," said PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karin who was also present at the briefing.

Julie Bishop highly appreciated Bangladesh and the Prime Minister for hosting 1.1 million Rohingyas, said the Foreign Secretary.

She highly praised the Prime Minister for her leadership role over women empowerment. "You (Hasina) are an inspirational leader in the world on women emancipation and empowerment... you (Hasina) are also a courageous leader as you faced authoritative regime in the past," Shahidul quoted Julie Bishop saying.

Hasina highlighted women participation and empowerment policies taken by her government.

She also focused on women participation in the judiciary, law enforcement agencies, parliament and political system apart from the administration and defence in Bangladesh.

Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali, Foreign Secretary Md Shahidul Haque, PMO Secretary Sajjadul Hassan, PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karin and Bangladesh High Commissioner to Australia Mohammad Sufiur Rahman were present at the meeting.