President seeks Myanmar's cooperation for Rohingya repatriation

President M Abdul Hamid today sought Myanmar's cooperation for repatriation of the Rohingya people as its new Ambassador to Bangladesh U Lwin Oo presented credentials to him at an impressive ceremony at Bangabhaban here this afternoon.

"The President sought active initiative and cooperation of the newly appointed Myanmar envoy to repatriate the Rohingyas, who fled to Bangladesh from their Rakhine state homeland," President's Press Secretary Joynal Abedin told BSS.

Abdul Hamid expressed the hope that the repatriation process would end during the envoy's tenure in Dhaka.

He said Bangladesh always put emphasis on friendly relations with all neighbouring countries.

President Hamid hoped that the bilateral relations between the two countries would be strengthened in future.

Earlier, French Ambassador to Bangladesh Marie-Annick Bourdin also presented his credentials to the President.

Welcoming the French envoy, the president recalled with gratitude the contribution of France to Bangladesh's Liberation War in 1971 and subsequently its recognition of Bangladesh as an independent country on February 14 in 1972.

Terming the existing relationship between Bangladesh and France 'excellent', Abdul Hamid hoped that bilateral trade and investment would further boost in days ahead.

Noting that France is a tested friend of Bangladesh, Abdul Hamid said the recent visit of Bangladesh Prime Minister to France further strengthened the relations between the two countries.

Earlier, on their arrival at Bangabhaban, the two envoys were given guards of honour separately by a horse-mounted contingent of the President Guard Regiment (PGR). The national anthems of Bangladesh and their respective countries were played on the occasion.

Later, the envoys separately called on President Hamid at Bangabhaban.

Meanwhile, a five- member delegation of International Inner Wheel led by Dr Kapila Gupta paid a courtesy call on President Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban in the evening.

Inner Wheel is one of internationally reputed Women's voluntary "service" organization involved in philanthropic activities throughout the world. Inner Wheel Clubs throughout the world comprise the womenfolk of Rotarians. It is active in over 100 countries and geographic locations with over a hundred thousand members.

The President was apprised of different its voluntary activities including health, sanitation, education and natural disasters in Bangladesh.