Bangladesh
USA-Bangladesh PM Hasina calls on US, other nations to assist in the repatriation of Rohingyas
Dhaka, October 18: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reiterated her call on all countries, including the United States, to help in the Rohingya repatriation.
"We want the immediate repatriation of the Rohingya and the world community, including the United States, should assist in their repatriation to Myanmar," she said.
US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen E. Biegun made the call when he met the Prime Minister at her official residence, Ganobhaban, on Thursday afternoon.
The United States wants a lasting solution to the protracted Rohingya crisis. "We will continue to support Bangladesh on this issue," Biegun said.
The Prime Minister mentioned that there are more than 1.1 million of the forcibly displaced Rohingya population in Bangladesh.
"It's an extra burden for us," she said. "The problem is created by Myanmar and we are continuing to negotiate with them to solve the problem. Myanmar should take back its citizens."
Sheikh Hasina said the Rohingya issue is a social problem and a large number of displaced people are living in asylum camps in Cox's Bazar. "Some quarters may mislead them," she said. "So, we want to repatriate them immediately."
The Prime Minister and the US Deputy Secretary of State also discussed the issue of bringing back the convicted fugitive accused Bangabandhu's killer Rashed Chowdhury who was in hiding in the United States.
Stephen E. Biegun said the U.S. Attorney General's Office is reviewing the matter.
He added that the visa service for Bangladeshi students will be resumed after the Covid-19 situation returns to normal.
The US Deputy Secretary of State, who arrived in Bangladesh on Wednesday, said he had already discussed economic cooperation with Bangladeshi officials.
"The US government will work closely with Bangladesh to develop economic and trade relations," he said.
Apart from keeping the wheel of the country's economy in motion during the epidemic, Sheikh Hasina also outlined the steps taken by her government to control Covid-19.
Earl R. Miller, US Ambassador to Dhaka and Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr. Ahmed Kaikaus were present at the meeting.
