The United States (US) is interested know about Bangladesh’s future plans about the Rohingya that are living at Cox’s Bazar.
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl Robert Miller informed Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Huq discussed the Rohingya issue amongst other things during a meeting on Monday (Sept 9).
Several issues including an upcoming high-level meeting and the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to be held in New York was addressed during the meeting.
A government official wishing to remain anonymous said that a US delegation is likely to visit Dhaka to get an update on the Rohingya situation.
He added that during the one-and-hour meeting the envoy also wanted to know about the activities of the NGOs working with the Rohingyas.
The meeting also addressed how the government plans to move forward with the issue at the UNGA.
Another government employee, also wishing to remain anonymous, said, “The envoy ensured that the US will support Bangladesh to resolve the Rohingya issue.
He added that multiple programs regarding the Rohingyas have been planned for the UNGA but any high-level meeting with Washington is unlikely.
On Sept 8, during a meeting with senior Cabinet member Obaidul Quader, Ambassador Miller said that Washington wants an explanation from Dhaka over its strict stance against NGOs operating in Rohingya camps.
He was told that several complaints have come up against the NGOs and the government was scrutinizing them.
THREE FOREIGN MINISTERS LIKELY TO MEET
Meanwhile, the foreign ministers for Bangladesh, China and Myanmar are likely to hold a meeting at New York.
“China took the initiatives last year and they did the same this year as well,” said a government official.
“No other country has come forward the way China has done and we welcome Beijing’s cooperation,” he added.
On Aug 22 a fresh bid to repatriate the Rohingyas failed even though everything was in place. A Chinese delegation was also present to oversee the process.
Moreover, the new Chinese envoy held several meetings with the government since joining last month.
UNGA PROGRAMS
Bangladesh will arrange for a program on the Rohingya issue in addition to those at the UNGA.
“The prime minister will as always present the Rohingya issue strongly,” said another government official.
He said that two more meetings at the initiative of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will take place and Saudi Arabia and the European Union are likely to hold a joint meeting.
He said that in the sidelines of the UNGA, OIC’s contact group and the committee formed led by Gambia will also be meeting.