'World now much closer to Bangladesh over Rohingya issue'

Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali today said the international community is much closer to Bangladesh than ever before over the Rohingya issue which, he thinks, is an outcome of its diplomacy.

"We're working and the results are visible," he told a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka.

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Minister Ali said there is no reason to think that China and Russia are against Bangladesh or in favour of Myanmar, making it clear that these two countries are with Bangladesh.

He said all the countries supported the Kofi Annan Commission's report which means all the countries are with Bangladesh.

"It's not so easy," the foreign minister said indicating that the solution to the Rohingya crisis will not come overnight.

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"We're working to find a peaceful solution. We've kept nothing left. If necessary, we'll send special envoys (to specific countries)," he added.

Explaining progress over the Rohingya issue, Mahmood Ali said there had been no open meeting at the UN Security Council (due to opposition from members) in the past. Now such meetings on the issue are being held. This is also a progress."

The foreign minister said he will go to Myanmar after home minister's visit.

He mentioned that two MoUs will be signed during home minister's Myanmar visit. "We'll be able to resolve border-related problems [as well]."

Over 590,000 Rohingyas have entered Bangladesh since August 25 amid relentless persecution in Myanmar's Rakhine State.

Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque and senior officials of the ministry were present at the press briefing