Sweden seeks peaceful solution, supports BD over Rohingya issue

Swedish Ambassador Charlotta Schlyter has reassured Bangladesh of her country's support for a peaceful solution to Rohingya crisis.

The newly-appointed envoy came up with her country's stance on Monday when she met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her Sangsad Bahban office.

Ihsanul Karim, PM's Press Secretary, briefed reporters after the meeting. He said the Prime Minister highly appreciated the strong role of Sweden over Rohingya issue considering its humanitarian and political aspects.

The PM informed the Ambassador that the presence of a large number of Rohingyas is creating socioeconomic, environmental and demographic problems in Bangladesh.

"We've negotiated with Myanmar government over the issue, and the repatriation of the Myanmar nationals will start," she said.

Hasina also said the government is preparing an island in Noakhali to give the Rohingyas a temporary shelter.

She mentioned that though Bangladesh is an agro-based country, the government has taken an initiative to set up various kinds of industries.

According to her, "We're creating special economic zones allover Bangladesh for both domestic and foreign investments."

About the initiatives taken for workers, Hasina said her government has made arrangements for their training, raised their wages, constructed dormitories and daycare centres.

UNB quoted Schlyter as saying that their country will deepen the development cooperation for Bangladesh, and appreciated Bangladesh's support to Swedish Prime Minister's personal undertaking about Global Deal Initiative, aimed at promoting decent work for all and inclusive economic growth.