Bangladesh seeks Japan’s support for Rohingya repatriation

Bangladesh has sought Japan's support for repatriation of the Rohingyas to Myanmar and moving the refugees to Bhashan Char where the government has built shelters for one lakh Rohingya as parts of the refugee camps in Cox's Bazar.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam held a meeting with Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Toshiko Abe on the sidelines of the 4th Indian Ocean Conference in Male today.

Alam updated Abe on the latest status of the 1 million plus Rohingyas being sheltered by Bangladesh, including Bangladesh's concerns about security at the camps.

He underscored that Bangladesh needs the support of Japan for repatriation of the Rohingyas in safety and dignity to Myanmar and to start moving them to Bhashan Char, an island located in an estuary of the Meghna river in Noakhali.

Rohingya have refused to return to Myanmar though Bangladesh and Myanmar took two attempts – one on November 15 and the other on August 22 this year – arguing that conditions in Myanmar were not conducive and they had no guarantee of citizenship.

Shahriar Alam expressed gratitude to the Japanese government for listing Bangladesh as a source country for skilled migration. They highlighted that both governments will work closely to deliver on the MoU signed last month.

Shahriar Alam updated his Japanese counterpart on the latest status of the 1 million plus Rohingyas being sheltered by Bangladesh, including Bangladesh's concerns about security at the camps.

Toshiko Abe expressed gratitude that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina met all the family members of the Japanese victims of the Holey Artisan attack during her visit to Japan in May this year.

She mentioned that Japan is particularly happy that Bangladesh has decided to name metro rail stations after the names of the victims.

Shahriar requested Japanese support for building a new railway bridge over the river Jamuna. Abe reassured their support and cooperation to build the railway bridge.

Alam is leading the Bangladesh delegation to the 4th Indian Ocean Conference being organised by India Foundation in association with Maldives and S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Singapore from 03-04 September 2019.