COX'S BAZAR: Malaysia Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi arrived in Cox’s Bazar on Monday morning (Oct 16) to visit the Rohingya refugee camps.

Zahid Hamidi left Dhaka in a special flight for Cox’s Bazar around 8:30am and arrived at the Cox's Bazar Airport at 9:10am where Foreign Ministry secretary (bilateral) Kamrul Ahsan welcomed him at the airport.

Ahmad Zahid will visit the Kutupalong and Ukhia Refugee Camps to assess the situation of Rohingya ethnic refugees from the Rakhine state of Myanmar at refugee camps in Bangladesh.

The visit reflects Malaysia's concern and seriousness on the issue of Rohingya refugees generally.

Earlier on Sunday morning (Oct 15), Deputy Prime Minister arrived in Dhaka in a two-day official tour. In the evening, he held a bilateral meeting with Bangladesh Foreign Minister Mahmood Ali in the state guest house Padma.

After the meeting, DPM Zahid said, “Malaysia to build a field hospital for the Rohingya refugees who fled into Bangladesh following persecution in Myanmar’s Rakhine state. The hospital, capable to treat around 3 lakh people, will be built within 2-3 months.”

Zahid also praised Bangladesh for their leading role in sheltering fleeing Rohingya muslims during the meeting.  

BDST: 1155 HRS, OCT 16, 2017
AP