Myanmar working with Bangladesh for safe return of Rohingyas: Envoy

Myanmar Ambassador in Dhaka Lwin Oo has said they are working actively with Bangladesh on the voluntary, safe and dignified return of Rohingyas to their homeland from Bangladesh with a good neighbourly spirit.

"The disputes that emerge between neighbouring countries must be resolved amicably through bilateral negotiations," the envoy said.

The Myanmar Ambassador was addressing a reception marking the 70th anniversary of the Independence Day of Myanmar in a city hotelon Thursdaynight.

Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor was present as the chief guest.

The Myanmar envoy said terrorism and extremism constitue one of the most serious threats to civilized world. "We can't condone terrorism in any form and manifestation."

He claimed that men from the villages in Rakhine State were recruited to join the terrorists and militants in fighting the security forces.

"Many villages had been intimidated to flee Bangladesh side by those extremists so that they can attract international attention," said the Ambassador.

Ambassador Oo said Bangladesh also faced similar terror attacks by terrorists and extremists.

"We welcome Bangladesh's zero tolerance policy against terrorism and militancy."

He said Myanmar consistently pursues a policy of good relations with all countries around the world, especially with our neighbouring countries, including Bangladesh based on five principles of co-existence.

"Myanmar and Bangladesh jointly can be a bridge between South and Southeast Asia," said the Ambassador.

He said air, land and sea connectivity between the two countries can play an important role in increasingly globalised world to create favourable conditions for better understanding among the people and nations in the region.

"I hope that the friendly relations and cooperation between Bangladesh and Myanmar would continue to grow in the days to come," said the Ambassador.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Noor said Bangladesh and Myanmar are engaged and working together on Rohingya repatriation.

He hoped that the repatriation process will be completed smoothly.

The number of Rohingya arrivals from Myanmar to Bangladesh sinceAugust 25last year now stands over 688,000, indicating that Rohingyas are still coming despite a repatriation plan is in progress between the two countries.

On January 16, Bangladesh and Myanmar signed a document on 'Physical Arrangement' which will facilitate return of Rohingays to their homeland from Bangladesh.

The 'Physical Arrangement' stipulates that the repatriation will be completed preferablywithin two yearsfrom the commencement of the repatriation.

Foreign Ministry officials in Dhaka said the verification and return of Rohingyas will be based on the family as a unit, and Bangladesh and Myanmar also finalised the 'form' for verification.

Source: dailysun