Rohingya return

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FE REPORT | Published: October 19, 2019 22:40:00

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Bangladesh has spearheaded campaign in major European countries to make sure they exert pressure on Myanmar so that it takes back the Rohingya refugees, creating a conducive environment in Rakhine.
As part of the move, foreign minister Dr. A. K. Abdul Momen is now visiting Germany.
He is scheduled to visit France, Italy and Greece.
On Friday, Dr Momen met his German counterpart Heiko Maas and urged him to put pressure on Myanmar for creating a conducive environment for the return of the Rohingya, who were forcibly displaced from their homeland, said a foreign ministry spokesman on Saturday.
In the meeting with his German counterpart, Dr. Momen referred to the four points proposed by Bangladesh Prime Minister in the 74th session UN General Assembly last month.
He urged the German government and the international community to take effective steps so that Myanmar takes back the Rohingya with safety, security and dignity in a sustainable manner.
He also sought Germany's support for ensuring the accountability for the atrocities committed against the Rohingya.
During the meeting, Dr. Momen highlighted the success story of Bangladesh as the development miracle of the world, and called for Germen businesses to invest in Bangladesh, taking advantage of the country's demographic dividend and lucrative investment promotion packages for foreign direct investment.
The whole gamut of bilateral relations between the two countries was discussed in the meeting.
German development cooperation for Bangladesh and the existing business relations between the two countries were noted at the meeting. The issues concerning implementation of e-passport by German company Veridos and involvement of Siemens AG Germany in the energy sector were also discussed.
The German minister commended the economic and social development achieved by Bangladesh, and assured Bangladesh of its support for addressing the challenges of climate change.
Earlier in the day, the foreign minister had a meeting with Dr. Gerd Mueller, German minister for economic cooperation and development.
During the meeting, Dr. Momen appreciated the development assistance of Germany to Bangladesh in areas like rural development, primary education, private sector development, renewable energy, climate effect and so on.
Terming Bangladesh's readymade garment factories safe, green and environment-friendly, Mr. Momen said Bangladesh has achieved tremendous development in labour safety and rights issues.
Dr. Rubana Haque, president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association participated in the meeting, and it was agreed that the country's apparel sector would join the "Green Button" initiative of the German government to promote environment and socially conscious textile products.
The German minister lauded the decision of Bangladesh on joining the scheme.
The foreign minister also had a meeting with Professor Mario Ohoven, Vice-President of World SMEs.
Dr. Momen asked for German cooperation in developing the smaller firms of Bangladesh.
Citing Bangladesh's initiatives to develop this sector, he called for German assistance for the skill development of Bangladesh's youngsters and workforce.
Dr Momen also had a meeting with Dr. Roland Schmidt, secretary-general of the German government's research institute, Frederick-Ebert-Stiftung.
mirmostafiz @yahoo.com