Delhi to keep backing Dhaka

Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Monday said India will continue to extend humanitarian assistance to support the government of Bangladesh in its efforts to provide succour to the Rohingyas.

"We understand the plight of the displaced persons and Bangladesh's support to the displaced persons under trying circumstances deserves appreciation," he said while addressing a function to hand over humanitarian assistance from India.

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Mofazzel Hussain Chowdhury Maya attended the function as the chief guest.

Secretary, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief Md Shah Kamal, Additional Secretary, Refuge, Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Mohammed Abul Kalam, Chairman, Bangladesh Red Crescent Society Hafiz Ahmed Majumder, Secretary General, Bangladesh Red Crescent Society Feroz Salauddin and Joint Secretary (BM), Indian Ministry of External Affairs Vikram Doraiswami were also present.

In the last one year or so, Bangladesh has hosted close to one million Rohingyas from the Rakhine State of Myanmar.

This humanitarian gesture has been appreciated by India and all concerned.

"As a neighbour, friend and partner of Bangladesh, India has responded promptly to support the government of Bangladesh in meeting the relief requirements posed by this large influx of displaced persons," said the High Commissioner.

The High Commissioner, who also visited Rohingya camps, handed over third phase of relief assistance of over 1 million litres of Super Kerosene Oil and 20,000 kerosene stoves.

The first tranche of relief material consisting of 4.5 lakh food packs of rice, lentils, milk, etc was delivered in September 2017.

In May 2018, the second tranche of relief material consisting of 373 metric tons of dry fish, milk powder, baby food, rain coats and gum boots to cater to the rainy season was handed over.

Shringla said India has also started construction of pre-fabricated houses in the Rakhine State.

"I am happy to inform that we are building 250 houses which are nearing completion. Foundation work has already started for 50 houses at a village called Kyein Chaung in Maungdaw district of Myanmar. These dwellings are intended to facilitate the return of displaced persons from Bangladesh," he said.

India, earlier, underscored the need for three Ss - safe, speedy and sustainable return of the displaced persons to Rakhine State.

The High Commissioner aid India reiterated India's commitment to help in the return of displaced people to their homes in Myanmar.

"India has always stood by Bangladesh in times of need. Ours is a relationship based on trust, friendship and shared martyrdom that goes beyond strategic partnership," he said.

Shringla said, "It is in this spirit of friendship that we have come forward to share their burden and will continue to do so."