EU to extend all assistance in Rohingya repatriation

Newly appointed Head of EU Delegation in Dhaka Ambassador Rensje Teerink said Wednesday the European Union (EU) is ready to extend all sorts of assistance to Bangladesh regarding Rohingya crisis and their repatriation to Myanmar, reports BSS.

The new envoy said this while making a courtesy call on Foreign Minister A H Mahmood Ali at foreign ministry in the city.

During the meeting, the EU Ambassador praised the internationally-acclaimed commendable role played by Bangladesh in handling the Rohingya crisis under the bold leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The EU Ambassador informed that a high-powered Parliamentary delegation comprising Heads of EU Parliamentary Standing Committee for Human Rights, Foreign Affairs and Trade will visit Bangladesh in the second week of February to see for themselves the Rohingya refugee crisis.

The Heads of EU Parliamentary Standing Committee for Human rights and Trade will also visit Myanmar after Bangladesh visit, he added.

The Foreign Minister informed that Bangladesh is dealing the repatriation issue bilaterally with Myanmar and signed three agreements already for repatriation.

Bangladesh emphasises on the safe, sustainable return of the Rohingya people to their homeland, the minister said urging the international community including EU to retain pressure on Myanmar so that these people are not confined to IDP camps.

He informed the new envoy that as per the agreements signed with Myanmar UNHCR and WFP will be gradually engaged in the repatriation and reintegration process which is subject to the permission of Myanmar authority though.