August 13, 2012

Source: The Independent (Dhaka)

LONDON: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said Britain and the countries concerned about Rohingya refugees should talk to the Myanmar government regarding the refugee issue instead of pressuring Bangladesh.

The Prime Minister said this when British Secretary of State for International Development Affairs Andrew Mitchell met her at her hotel suite in London in the evening.

After the meeting, PM’s Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad briefed reporters about the outcome of the meeting.

He said the Prime Minister informed the British Minister that Bangladesh, despite being an overpopulated country, is already hosting over 28,000 Myanmar refugees at two camps in Cox’s Bazar.

On the influx of Myanmar refugees to Bangladesh, the Prime Minister said her government is providing them with food, medicine and even some financial assistance before repatriating them to their own country.

About climate change, Hasina appreciated British support for Bangladesh’s efforts to combat its adverse impacts and sought cooperation from the UK for the Climate Vulnerable Forum and its activities.

Sheikh Hasina also thanked the British government for its assistance for education, health, sanitation, natural disaster prevention and attainment of MDGs in Bangladesh.

Mitchell appreciated various successes of the present government, including those in agriculture, education, health and energy sectors, under the able leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

He thanked the Prime Minister to attend the World Nutrition Event in London although August is the month of mourning in Bangladesh.

Hasina said she attended the programme responding to the invitation of British Prime Minister David Cameroon, and above all the tropic of the event attracted her.

Ambassador at-Large M Ziauddin and Bangladesh High Commissioner to London Dr Sayeedur Rahman Khan were present.