Foreign Minister said that the role of India and China is important in Rohingya repatriation. Hasan Mahmud said that the Rohingya crisis can be solved if the participation of both countries (India-China) is increased.
He made these remarks as the chief guest at a discussion meeting titled 'Rohingya Crisis: Future Pathways' on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the Overseas Correspondents Association of Bangladesh (OCAB), an organization of foreign media journalists working in Dhaka, at Tofazzal Hossain Manik Mia Hall of the National Press Club on Sunday (May 19) afternoon.
The foreign minister said, if the international pressure can be continued, if the court verdict is in our favor, Myanmar will hopefully start repatriation. Besides, the judgment of the International Court is coming in our favor. We are dealing with countries that have an influence on Myanmar internationally. India and China are playing a very important role in the Rohingya issue.
He said that the current situation in Myanmar is that their army members are fleeing the country. We cannot push the Rohingyas in such a situation. More than 600,000 Rohingya are still in Myanmar, trying to reach developing countries like Bangladesh. Repatriation is not the only solution; repatriation is the real solution ensuring their fundamental rights.
He also said that speaking to the Foreign Minister of Myanmar in Uganda, it seems that they are also willing to start the process of taking back the Rohingyas to maintain good relations internationally. We are trying diplomatically to resolve the Rohingya issue. Ethnic conflict has always existed within Myanmar but it should not be used as an excuse to solve the problem.
The special guest of the program, Member of Parliament Shahriar Alam said that on August 25, 2017, Bangabandhu's daughter Sheikh Hasina gave shelter to the Rohingyas for the sake of humanity. The government is trying its best to repatriate them, but it will take some time and patience. International efforts are failing but this failure will not be repeated.
He also said that many foreign and local journalists have written negative things about Bhasanchar, which is not correct. Other countries including the United States are aware. We have to be patient no matter how many other issues come up this is important.
OCAB President Nazrul Islam presided over the event. Dr. Delwar Hossain, Professor of International Relations of Dhaka University, Julhas Alam, member of OCAB's Executive Committee, Farid Hossain and others were also present.