B'desh wants continued pressure on Myanmar

Bangladesh has said it will not repatriate anybody 'without his or her will' but urged the international community to keep up pressure on Myanmar for creating conditions in Rakhine to make Rohingya repatriation sustainable, reports UNB.

"I urge the international community not to lose focus on Rohingya issue and continue to exert pressure on Myanmar," said State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam on Sunday.

He said keeping up pressure on Myanmar is necessary so that it remains sincere and committed to the repatriation process and fulfill its obligation of creating conducive environment with ensured livelihood in safety and dignity in Rakhine.

The State Minister was addressing the launching of the report 'Childhood Interrupted: Children's Voice from the Rohingya Camps in Cox's Bazar' in the city.

Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission Kazi Reazul Hoque and Country Director of Save the Children Mark Pierce were also present.

The State Minister said continued deprivation, persecution, disenfranchisement and military atrocities against the whole community of Rohingyas are the root causes of the crisis.

"We need to recognise that the problem has its origin in Rakhine and its comprehensive solution has to be found there. Bangladesh is only unjustifiably bearing the brunt of it- until today- as the flow did not stop," he added.