President urges initiatives for Rohingya repatriation

Collected Photo

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called upon the United Kingdom and the international community to take more effective initiatives for the safe repatriation of the forcibly displaced Rohingya population sheltered in Bangladesh back to their homeland.

At the same time, he urged similar initiatives for the protection of women and children who remain at risk.

He made this call on Wednesday when Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh and a member of the British royal family who is currently visiting Bangladesh, paid a courtesy call on the President at Bangabhaban. The President’s Press Secretary, Md. Sarwar Alam, shared this information.

During the meeting, the President stated that the visit of the Duchess of Edinburgh carries a message of hope for the Myanmar citizens of the Rohingya community facing an uncertain future, especially women and children.

He said, that the Duchess’s visit to the Rohingya camps would play an important role in drawing the international community’s attention to this humanitarian crisis.

The President noted that the long-standing Rohingya crisis is exerting massive pressure on the socio-economic and environmental conditions of densely populated Bangladesh, while also raising concerns regarding regional security.

He emphasized the need for a more active role from the international community in creating an environment for the safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of the Rohingyas, as well as ensuring the protection of women and children and the continuation of humanitarian assistance.

Welcoming the Duchess of Edinburgh to Bangladesh, the President praised her long-standing contributions to women’s dignity and empowerment, eye health, and the development of the younger generation.

Highlighting the long-standing friendly relations between Bangladesh and the UK, the President said, Bangladesh is committed to taking bilateral ties further based on mutual respect and shared interests.

During the meeting, they discussed various issues, including increasing UK investment in Bangladesh, improving the education system, and further enhancing women’s participation in the country’s sports sector.

The Duchess of Edinburgh shared her experiences from her three-day visit with the President, which included touring Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar, BKSP (Bangladesh Krira Shiksha Protishtan), and the Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation Training (BIPSOT).

She praised the progress achieved in the development and empowerment of women in Bangladesh, as well as their contributions to the nation’s economic development.

The President expressed hope that the visit of the Duchess of Edinburgh would further strengthen the existing friendly relations and mutual cooperation between the two countries.

Senior officials from the President’s Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the British High Commissioner, and members of the Duchess’s entourage were present during the meeting.