Rohingya repatriation: Bangladesh urges Myanmar to make arrangement

Staff Reporter :
The government of Bangladesh has urged Myanmar to make arrangement for the repatriation of their citizens in their homeland in a bid to relieve Bangladesh from the colossal burden of over 1.1 million Rohingyas.
“Bangladesh hopes to be relieved from the colossal burden of sheltering displaced Myanmar residents through arranging their long pending safe, dignified, voluntary, and sustainable repatriation in their homeland,” said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday.
On the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee of the Independence of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the people of Bangladesh are sending warm greetings and felicitations to the people of Myanmar and wish them inclusive peace and prosperity.
Reiterating its call for the repatriation of Rohingyas, the government said that Bangladesh has been hosting over 1.1 million Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char.
As a next-door and friendly neighbour, the ministry said that Bangladesh has been committed to developing an amicable relationship with Myanmar.
Myanmar declared independence from British colonial rule on January 4, 1948.
On the other hand, in a message marking the day, the United States said the military regime in Myanmar must end its violence, release those unjustly detained, and allow unhindered humanitarian access.
The military regime must recognise the desire of the people for a genuine and inclusive democracy in Myanmar, the US said.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken on January 3, said, “On behalf of the United States of America, I reaffirm our commitment to the people of Burma as they mark the 75th Anniversary of Burma’s independence on January 4.”
“The United States has long supported the people of Burma and their ability to chart their own future. Today, Burma’s military regime stands in the way of democratic progress and the will of the people,” he further said.
“The military’s brutal and horrific campaign of violence has nevertheless failed to overcome the strong commitment of the people of Burma to forge an inclusive and democratic country. We stand in solidarity with the people of Burma in their determination to plant democracy in their country,” the Secretary of State observed.
Urging Myanmar to stop violence, he said, “The military regime must end its violence, release those unjustly detained, allow unhindered humanitarian access, and recognise the desire of the people for a genuine and inclusive democracy in Burma.”
Meanwhile, Myanmar’s junta Chief Min Aung Hlaing on Wednesday lashed out at countries for intervening in his country’s affairs while thanking others for “positively” cooperating, noting how it was working closely with neighbours such as Bangladesh, China, India and Thailand.
“I want to say, some international and regional countries and organisations and individuals, who positively cooperated with us… in the midst of all the pressure, criticisms and attacks,” he said in a speech to mark Myanmar’s 75th independence day in the capital Naypyitaw.
“We are closely working with neighbouring countries such as China, India, Thailand, Laos and Bangladesh. We will work together for border stability and development,” he continued. Diplomatic circle deems that Junta Chief’s televised speech was bearing a positive gesture from Myanmar’s side to work with Bangladesh to find solution to the challenges between the two countries.
The United Nations Security Council on December 22 last year adopted the first-ever resolution on the situation in Myanmar placing an important focus on the Rohingya crisis and its sustainable solution.
Experts said that intensive pressure on Myanmar was necessary to end the Rohingya crisis.