Dhaka-Bangkok Bilateral Talks: Solving Rohingya issues stressed
Staff Reporter :
Foreign Adviser to the Interim Government Md Touhid Hossain has stated that a lasting peace and stability would not be achieved in Myanmar without the resolution of the Rohingya issue.
He made this comment during a bilateral meeting with Thailand’s Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai in Bangkok on Friday, the Foreign Ministry said.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of an informal consultation on Myanmar, hosted by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where senior representatives from Bangladesh, China, India, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand participated.
The foreign adviser reiterated the importance of a comprehensive roadmap for the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar.
He underscored the need to restore peace and security in Rakhine State, where the situation for the Rohingya has become increasingly uncertain due to infightings with the rebels and Myanmar Army.
The foreign adviser proposed that ASEAN member countries could help ensure the security of the Rohingyas upon their return to Rakhine.
He also called on friendly nations to support the Rohingyas’ sustainable return by providing employment and livelihood assistance.
He highlighted that the Rohingya crisis is already severely affecting regional security and warned that if the situation persists, it could worsen and the entire region would be destabilized.
The Thai foreign minister expressed gratitude for Touhid’s participation in the informal discussions and appreciated the constructive dialogue.
Both the ministers acknowledged the importance of such informal dialogues for the exchange of opinions and advice in a candid and cordial manner.
They also discussed the potential for increased trade and connectivity between Bangladesh and Thailand. Both the countries agreed that lasting peace and stability in Myanmar are essential for establishing uninterrupted connections between South and Southeast Asia and reducing existing gaps.
The Thai foreign minister sought Bangladesh’s support for establishing a coastal shipping route between the ports of Yangon and Chattogram, in response to the business communities’ needs.
He also expressed interest in working together with Bangladesh in the fisheries sector and reiterated Thailand’s commitment to contributing to food security in the BIMSTEC region. Touhid Hossain expressed support for Thailand’s decision to host the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in the second half of next year.
The adviser also referred to recent data from Bangladesh Bank, noting the increase in spending by Bangladeshis in Thailand in recent months.
He requested the Thai authorities to find ways to simplify the visa process for Bangladeshis.
The two also noted that the visa benefits for government passport holders are effective from December 19, 2024, and Thailand will introduce an e-visa system for Bangladeshis starting in January 2025.
Meanwhile, on the same day, Touhid Hossain handed over a consignment of winter clothes and dry food from Bangladeshi manufacturers to Ambassador Dr. Tej Bunnag of the Thai Red Cross Society.
Ambassador Bunnag thanked the adviser for the donation and mentioned that the goods would be delivered to the people affected by the recent floods in northern Thailand.
They also discussed relevant regional issues, including the Rohingya and human rights situations.
Secretary Bunnag expressed gratitude to the Bangladesh Embassy in Bangkok for organizing a voluntary blood donation event in observance of Victory Day 2024.
During his three-day visit to Bangkok, the foreign adviser also met and exchanged views with Bangladeshi expatriates in celebration of International Migrants Day and National Diaspora Day 2024.
He began the visit with a tour of the Bangladesh Embassy in Bangkok, where he discussed consular and welfare issues with Bangladeshi citizens living in Thailand and Cambodia.
