Staff Reporter :
Amid the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, Awami League (AL) General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister, Obaidul Quader, declared on Tuesday that Bangladesh would not entertain a new influx of Rohingya refugees and emphasized that there is no room for generosity in this regard.
Speaking at a press briefing held at Setu Bhaban in Banani, Quader stated, “We will not allow Rohingyas to enter Bangladesh again. Earlier, we opened the border showing generosity.
Now there is no scope to show such generosity.”
He acknowledged that Bangladesh is actively engaged in diplomatic talks with relevant authorities, particularly with China and India, to address the potential spillover of Myanmar’s internal conflict into Bangladesh.
Quader revealed that the Myanmar ambassador to Bangladesh has been summoned, and assurances were given that Myanmar would take back those who fled to Bangladesh due to the ongoing conflict.
He emphasised that the Rohingya issue is becoming a significant burden for Bangladesh, citing a substantial decrease in international aid flowing to support the displaced Rohingya population.
“How long will we bear this burden in such a situation?” Quader questioned, adding that the internal crisis of Myanmar, including the conflict involving the Arakan Army, is the responsibility of the Myanmar government.
He further expressed the need for dialogue with concerned parties to ensure that Bangladesh does not face additional panic or concerns due to Myanmar’s problems.
In response to recent statements from leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Quader suggested that the BNP is disappointed with its failure in recent movements and elections.
He alleged that, to overcome this frustration, BNP leaders are now opposing the government in the name of opposition.