‘BD yet to hold talks with Myanmar on Rohingya return’
Bangladesh has not yet held any discussions with the Myanmar government regarding reports that Naypyidaw has agreed to repatriate 300,000 Rohingyas from Bangladesh, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said on Thursday, reiterating that the voluntary return of the displaced people remains Dhaka’s top priority.
Speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Shama said Bangladesh would welcome any genuine initiative that advances the long stalled repatriation process.
“So far there has been no discussion between the Bangladesh and Myanmar governments on this issue. Malaysia’s prime minister has spoken about taking the Rohingyas back. Repatriation remains our first priority,” she said.
“If that happens, we will certainly welcome it. It would be very good news. However, we are in contact with Myanmar and, so far, I do not have any specific information,” she added.
Her remarks came a day after Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that Myanmar’s military government had agreed to receive 300,000 Rohingyas from Bangladesh and 5,000 Rohingyas from Malaysia following bilateral negotiations between Kuala Lumpur and Naypyidaw.
According to Malaysian media, Anwar said the agreement demonstrated the importance of maintaining constructive diplomatic relations with neighbouring countries and pursuing sustained negotiations on complex humanitarian issues.
On Bangladeshi nationals detained in Myanmar, the state minister said the government was actively working to secure the return of fishermen held across the border.
She said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and other relevant agencies had recently held a coordination meeting, attended by the foreign secretary and the BGB chief, to discuss ways of bringing back Bangladeshi fishermen detained in Myanmar, including those held by the Arakan Army.
“The process is a little complicated. The number is not very high. So far we have identified 27 fishermen. They were imprisoned there, have served their jail terms, and we are now working to bring them back,” she said.
Shama said the foreign ministry was maintaining communication with the Myanmar government to facilitate their return.
She noted that the situation was more difficult when Bangladeshis were held by the Arakan Army because the armed group was not easily willing to engage directly with Bangladeshi authorities.
“Our BGB and other agencies stationed along the border are working on the matter,” she said.
Malaysia has long faced domestic pressure to deport Rohingya refugees. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Anwar said previous efforts had been hindered because Myanmar had refused to receive them.
He also stressed that while Malaysia remained committed to humanitarian responsibilities, authorities would take firm action against anyone causing public disorder and urged the Rohingya community in the country to respect Malaysian laws.
