Bangladesh-Myanmar minister-level talks begin

Bangladesh and Myanmar are holding a minister-level meeting at the Secretariat here on Friday with special focus on Rohingya issue.

Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and Myanmar Home Minister Lt Gen Kyaw Swe are leading their respective sides at the meeting that began at around 3:10pm.

Bangladesh is likely to hand over a list of Rohingyas with family units to start first batch repatriation after necessary verification, an official told UNB.

On Thursday, President Abdul Hamid urged Myanmar to take steps so that the displaced Rohingyas can return to their homeland in Rakhine with dignity and safety.

He also requested them to create a congenial atmosphere and build confidence in this regard.

President Hamid came up with the call when a seven-member delegation, led by Myanmar Home Minister Lt Gen Kyaw Swe met him at Bangabhaban in the evening.

During the meeting, the President laid emphasis on the implementation of Kofi Annan Commission’s recommendation to end the Rohingya crisis.

A ‘joint-working group’ has already been formed following the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) titled 'arrangement on return of displaced persons from the Rakhine estate' was signed between Bangladesh and Myanmar for the repatriation process.

Bangladesh hoped that the Myanmar government would take initiatives to rebuild their houses as well as to give back their property, including arable land, shops and business centres, immediately after their return.

Myanmar Home Minister Lieutenant General Kyaw Swe, eearlier, said his country is ready to start the repatriation process of Rohingyas and a reception camp has already been set up in this regard.

He said their government will implement the recommendations of the Kofi Annan Commission gradually.

Source: unb