Dhaka has expressed deep concern over the infiltration of more than 40,000 Rohingyas into Bangladesh fleeing the conflict in Rakhine state bordering Myanmar.
Foreign Adviser Md Tauhid Hussain expressed this concern during a meeting with U Kyaw Soe Mo, the Myanmar Ambassador assigned to Bangladesh on Wednesday.
During the discussion, the Foreign Adviser highlighted the importance of peace and stability in Myanmar and stressed the urgent need for a safe and sustainable repatriation process for the displaced Rohingya population.
He called for increased efforts to deal with the ongoing humanitarian crisis, saying, “Regional stability is very important for both countries.”
The foreign adviser also hoped that the Myanmar government and important stakeholders would engage in constructive discussions to resolve the situation.
He expressed concern about security threats at the border, including an increase in human trafficking linked to the influx of displaced people.
Ambassador Mo acknowledged the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict in Myanmar. However, he explained that the repatriation effort has been delayed due to the Arakan Army breaking the ceasefire in November 2023.
The ambassador expressed his government’s gratitude to Bangladesh for providing shelter, food and medical assistance to Myanmar troops as well as facilitating their repatriation after they recently entered Bangladesh due to the ongoing conflict in Rakhine.
The foreign adviser also emphasized Bangladesh’s commitment to enhance regional cooperation with Southeast Asian countries and the need for both countries to prioritize resolving outstanding bilateral issues, with Myanmar serving as a key gateway.
He called for Myanmar’s support to Bangladesh’s efforts to gain ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner status.
In addition, both sides discussed increasing bilateral trade, enhancing people-to-people contacts and resuming direct flights between Dhaka and Yangon.
They emphasized on finalizing the Coastal Shipping Agreement currently under negotiation between the two countries.
