Foreign minister AK Abdul Momen sought the international community's cooperation in expediting the repatriation process of the Rohingya, saying the longer stay of over one million refugees is creating socio economic burden on Bangladesh.
The minister made the call while talking to reporters on Sunday at his office after his meeting with Yanghee Lee, special rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar.
Ms Lee is now in Bangladesh on a five-day visit.
She will visit Cox's Bazar Rohingya camps during her stay.
"I have told her that this is a big problem for our country, if it can be resolved quickly it will benefit all," he said. "But if it prolongs, it will create uncertainty, which will harm Bangladesh, Myanmar and other regional countries like Thailand, China, and India."
"So we need quick resolution of the crisis and for that we need active cooperation from some other countries too. In my meeting with the Japanese ambassador today I also sought their cooperation. They have enough leverage in Myanmar as they are assisting them in many development projects," he added.
"Myanmar is our neighbour. We want a friendly relation with them. But this 'unwanted incident' creates bitterness among us."
The minister noted that all the rich and influential countries have a responsibility to resolve the crisis, not Bangladesh alone.
Responding to a question, the minister said international delegates would be taken to Bhasanchar after it would be fully ready.
The government is planning to relocate the Rohingya refugees to Bhasanchar Island and is constructing accommodation and other facilities there.
Asked whether Myanmar's reluctant response frustrates him, the minister said though the process becomes very slow, but he expressed the hope it would be resolved.
Replying to the recent comment of the UN Secretary General on Bangladesh elections, the minister said that the UN said that the election was held in a free and fair manner but a section of the press twisted it.
"He said there were some allegations and suggested looking into it. We have the same position. We also said if there is any allegation based on evidence the Election Commission should look into it," Dr Momen argued.
Asked about his trip to India, he said he is not going there to raise any particular issue as it would be a courtesy visit.
Talking with the reporters after the meeting, Ms Lee said that she had a very 'good discussion' with the foreign minister.
Mr. Hiroyasu Izumi, who also met the foreign minister, said Japan will continue its efforts to resolve the Rohingya crisis.
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