‘Int’l community needs to continue pressure on Myanmar to take back Rohingyas’

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali has emphasised that the international community needs to continue sustained pressure on Myanmar to ensure safe, sustainable and dignified return of the Rohingyas to a religiously-tolerant and ethnically-inclusive Myanmar.

The foreign minister came up with the remark while participating in the conference on 'Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom' held on 25-26 July, 2018 in Washington DC at the invitation of the US Secretary of State, said a press release issued by the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC today.

Rohingya refugees walks along the refugee camp during rain in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, July 25, 2018. Photo: Reuters

The unprecedented role played by Bangladesh in sheltering and supporting 1.1 million forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar reflects the truly Samaritan and inclusive nature of Bangladesh, Mahmood Ali said.

"The influx of the Rohingyas from Myanmar is one of the gravest ethno-religious cleansing of recent times. The perpetrators of these heinous crimes must be held accountable," he said.

The minister highlighted some actions that reflect Bangladesh's commitment to maintain the legacy of a democratic, secular, open, inclusive and pluralistic social fabric in the country, the release read.

At that time, Ambassador Sam Brownback, chair of the conference, praised Bangladesh for hosting such a huge number of Rohingyas in Bangladesh.

Besides, the US Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, thanked Bangladesh for the country's generous humanitarian response to the Rohingya crisis and also thanked for opening its arms and allowing international organisations to support the Rohingyas.

The US Department of State organised the meeting attended by 80 delegations, mostly led by ministers. A good number of members of civil society including religious leaders from different countries of the world attended the conference, according to the release.

The opening session was attended by US Vice President Mike Pence and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. The secretary of state delivered the address of welcome, the release added.