Rohingya’s early return better for Bangladesh, PM tells ADB

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stressed on Wednesday the need for the quick repatriation of the displaced Rohingyas to their place of origin in Rakhine State of Myanmar, reports UNB.

It will be better for Bangladesh if they go back as early as possible, she said.

The Prime Minister came up with the remark when a seven-member delegation of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) met her at her official residence Ganobhaban.

Terming Bangladesh a reliable partner, the visiting high-profile ADB delegation said the lender will continue to remain Bangladesh's development partner.

"ADB will continue to remain Bangladesh's development partner," said In-chang Song, leader of the visiting team of ADB Board of Directors.

Six ADB directors and alternative directors representing 33 countries were among the delegates.

PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.

The visiting delegates appreciated the rapid reduction of poverty level and the high GDP growth in Bangladesh as well as progress in climate change mitigation and food security.

Bangladesh has achieved much progress in attaining food security, they said.

The ADB will continue its support to Bangladesh on the Rohingya issue, too.

ADB director Kris Panday said Bangladesh has made a remarkable progress in different sectors, particularly transportation, energy and housing.

He stressed the need for the continuation of the regional connectivity and integrity for the sake of development.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said her party had chalked out the plan for the development the country before coming to power.