DHAKA: Foreign Minister Abul Hasan Mahmood Ali said sheltered Rohingyas will not be forced to go back to Myanmar as their security in Rakhine state is to be ensured first.

He made the remark to reporters after briefing foreign diplomats at state guest house Padma Sunday afternoon on Rohingya repatriation issue. 

The minister said no one will be forced to go back unless their safety is ensured in Rakhine state of Myanmar. 

According to a Physical Arrangement deal with Myanmar, Rohingya repatriation is likely to start on January 23. However, the minister could not confirm the matter. 

He said Rohingyas who are currently staying at the No-mans-land between the two countries will be the first one to go back starting from Jan 23. 

Mentioning that the Myanmar government is working with India, Japan and China to make housing for the Rohingyas, Ali said diplomats from all the other four neighboring countries of Myanmar- India, Cambodia, Laos and China will visit the situation after repatriation to ensure safety for Rohingyas. 

Earlier, Foreign Minister Abul Hasan Mahmood Ali briefed foreign diplomats in Dhaka at state guesthouse Padma on Sunday afternoon (January 21) on imminent Rohingya repatriation.

The minister started the briefing around 4:00pm with diplomats of US, UN-listed countries, other western countries including Turkey and different institutions. Later he will brief the diplomats of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries.

BDST: 2020 HRS, JAN 21, 2018
AP/SMS