CHITTAGONG: Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader said Bangladesh government wants United Nations’ involvement in discussions with Myanmar about the repatriation of the Rohingya refugees who were forcibly displaced.

Quader, also the Road Transport and Bridges Minister, made the remark to reporters after taking relief from government and private organizations and individuals at a hotel in Cox’s Bazar in Friday (Oct 13).

The minister said “The government doesn’t want bilateral meeting with Myanmar to start the repatriation process. We want the UN to be involved during the meeting.”

Mentioning that Myanmar has become flexible from their previous rigid stance on Rohingya issue, Quader said Myanmar will be forced to take back their citizens in face of continuous international pressure. The recent speech by Myanmar’s de-facto leader Suu Kyi has also given such vibes.

He also urged the locals to have patience as they are dealing with fresh problems everyday due to new arrival of Rohingyas.

According UN, over half-a-million Rohingyas have fled into Bangladesh following persecution in Myanmar’s Rakhine state after security forces started crackdown on them from Aug 25. They Rohingyas are given shelter in Ukhia and Kutupalang camps in Cox’s Bazar.

BDST: 2110 HRS, OCT 13, 2017
AP