US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday the USA will stand by Bangladesh to resolve the Rohingya crisis permanently.
He gave the assurance during his meeting with Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen at the US State Department.
"On the Rohingya issue, the US Secretary of State reassured that one million plus forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals have to return to Myanmar without any form of fear and persecution," said a foreign ministry media release on Tuesday.
As foreign minister, this was Dr Momen's first meeting with Mr Pompeo.
"It is the responsibility of the Myanmar government and military to create congenial environment so that the Rohingya people feel safe to return home," said Mr Pompeo.
He also lauded the humanitarian gesture of the government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for temporarily sheltering the persecuted Rohingyas.
Foreign Minister Dr Momen informed that Bangladesh at its own expense has developed "Bhashanchar" Island into a liveable place where 100,000 Rohingya people are planned to be relocated in coordination with UN agencies and different aid groups.
He also sought US support to the creation of a safe zone in Rakhine State to be monitored by international human rights groups.
Apart from the Rohingya crisis, issues related to deportation of Bangabandhu's killer Rashed Chowdhury from the USA to Bangladesh, shared vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, US investments in Bangladesh, duty-and quota-free access of Bangladesh's garment products to the US market and US-Bangladesh partnership in multiple sectors were also discussed in the meeting.
Regarding deportation of Bangabandhu's self-confessed and convicted killer Rashed Chowdhury from the USA, the Bangladesh foreign minister pointed out that he was fleeing justice.
"This is essential to carry out a vital common agenda of both countries pertaining to Counterterrorism and Countering-Violent Extremism and upholding the rule of law," he told the US Secretary of State.
Both leaders agreed that for greater prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, vital energy and infrastructure projects need to be implemented on a regional partnership basis. In that respect, leaders of the region need to work together on issues such as governance, accountability, rule of law and maritime security.
Dr Momen stated that Bangladesh is lauded internationally for its impressive development journey. He sought more investments from the USA in the oil and gas sector and US presence in the Special Economic Zones.
Dr Momen also sought US support to the candidature of Bangladesh in the upcoming election to the post of Deputy Director General of International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
Later on the day, the visiting foreign minister held meetings with senior officials of the US State Department and Deputy National Security Adviser Charles Kupperman.
Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA Mohammad Ziauddin was present at the meetings.
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