Bangladesh to work with Myanmar on refugee issue: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said Bangladesh looks forward to working with the Myanmar's new Myanmar leadership to find lasting solution to the next door neighbour's refugee issue.

"We look forward to working with the new Myanmar leadership to find lasting solution to this issue. . . I'm already in touch with Aung San Suu Kyi," she said while addressing a world leaders' summit on refugee issue held under the auspices of US President Barak Obama in New York.

For nearly three decades, she said, Bangladesh has been hosting a large number of refugees and displaced persons from Myanmar.

"With our limited resources, we continue to bear our responsibilities for these people . . . our local communities created space for their protection and assistance," she said, adding this poses many social, economic, environmental and political challenges for Bangladesh.

The premier said for the Myanmar refugees in camps, the government would keep investing in their security, health, education and skills. Improved shelter and self-reliance will be given added attention.

"For other displaced Myanmar nationals in Bangladesh, we have recently carried out a census. We are planning to give them an identity document titled 'information card' . . . this will help them access justice, health, education and other services," she said.

The Bangladesh premier urged other international partners to remain engaged in the refugee issue saying "as part of our commitment to leave no one behind, we must promote orderly, safe, regular and responsible mobility of people".

The US president organized the event titled "Leaders' Summit on Refugees" on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly at the Trusteeship Council Chamber at the UN headquarters on Tuesday afternoon.

Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali, PM's Principal Secretary Md Abul Kalam Azad and Foreign Secretary Md Shahidul Huq were present.

Earlier, the prime minister joined luncheon reception hosted by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon at the conference building of the UN Headquarters.

Source: BSS