Bangladesh awaits feedback from Myanmar on Rohingya repatriation talks

Bangladesh is waiting for feedback from Myanmar about the next round of discussions, scheduled to take place virtually on Thursday, on Rohingya repatriation.

The government is yet to establish any contact with the new military-led interim administration in Myanmar after a military coup in the country.

However, the foreign ministry communicated with the Chinese ambassador in Dhaka as China is mediating talks between Bangladesh and Myanmar over Rohingya repatriation.

“We had a conversation with the Chinese ambassador here on Monday. Let’s wait until tomorrow (Wednesday),” the Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, reports UNB.

He said they are waiting for feedback from Myanmar about the planned DG-level working group meeting as there is no formal communication with the interim government of Myanmar.

Masud Momen said they had a preference for talks on February 4 with Myanmar and China is enquiring about it. “There might be some logistical issues since there has been a change in Myanmar.”

He said Bangladesh wants to hold the working group meeting with Myanmar as soon as possible and follow the remaining agreed roadmap on Rohingya repatriation. “We conveyed it to the Chinese side.”

Responding to a question, the Foreign Secretary said diplomacy can continue with everybody and every level and referred to Bangladesh Army chief General Aziz Ahmed’s visit to Myanmar.

He said Bangladesh will establish commination with the new interim government in Myanmar once it becomes functional.

“We’ve been persistent in developing mutually beneficial relations with Myanmar and have been working with Myanmar for the voluntary, safe and sustained repatriation of the Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh. We expect these processes to continue in right earnest,” said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.

The foreign secretary said Bangladesh remains more vigilant along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border amid the changed situation in Myanmar.