Westerners press BD to grant citizenship to Rohingyas

Staff Reporter :
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Wednesday stated that western countries including the United States want Bangladesh to grant citizenship to the forcibly displaced Rohingyas.
“Instead of exerting pressure on Myanmar regarding the Rohingya refugee issue, the United States and Western countries are putting pressure on Bangladesh to grant their citizenship. They are suggesting engaging them in jobs by imparting training,” he told the journalists at the Foreign Ministry.
Drawing attention to a report published in Hindustan Times stating that military rule may arise in Bangladesh due to the current political standoff, the minister said, “I cannot say that. I do not think this way. When the BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) holds a big meeting, I’ve heard that they distribute money and people attend. But if they go to the larger population, they prefer Awami League, and we are in a strong position.”
“Therefore, if we maintain a strong position, foreign conspiracies will not work. If we remain united, no conspiracy will succeed. Those countries’ conspiracies succeed where internal conflicts are higher. In our country, internal conflicts are minimal. So, it won’t happen here,” he stressed.
“BNP won’t desire the country’s destruction. We don’t want to destroy the country. Wherever these (destructive events) have occurred, they have brought immense misery to people. Look at Afghanistan, Libya, Syria. BNP won’t desire that. Therefore, I believe they will engage in a democratic process… If they believe in democracy, they will undoubtedly participate in the democratic process,” he said.
Regarding the membership of BRICS, the minister said, “It is up to them.
It’s their debate. Not up to us. Prime minister will join BRICS summit on August 21.”
On June 19th, Abdul Momen expressed Bangladesh’s willingness to embrace an invitation from BRICS, a group comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
He stated, “Once they extend a formal invitation, we will gladly accept. As of now, we have not yet received an official letter of invitation. BRICS leaders are contemplating the inclusion of several emerging economies – approximately eight new countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, and Bangladesh.”
Foreign Minister Momen also disclosed that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will join the BRICS Summit, scheduled to be held from August 22nd to 24th in South Africa.