Prolonged Rohingya crisis may create global problem: Momen

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Tuesday said the lingering of the Rohingya crisis may create a global problem.

"If it takes long time for the repatriation of the Rohingya to their homeland in Myanmar, it will create uncertainty in the region," he told newsmen after his meeting with Bob Rae, Special Envoy of the Canadian Prime Minister to Myanmar.

The minister said, "It will also affect both Bangladesh and Myanmar and other regional countries. And in the long run, it will create a global problem."

Canada expressed its total support to the Bangladesh's efforts for quick repatriation of the Rohingya, he added.

Responding to a query about assembling of Rohingya on the Myanmar-Bangladesh border, Dr Momen said as the situation in Rakhine is still unstable, Rohingyas are trying to flee home to save their lives.

Talking to reporters, Bob Rae said it is essential to ensure immediate repatriation of Rohingyas with their full political and human rights in Myanmar.

"Everybody wants safe and secured repatriation of Rohingyas."

Lauding Bangladesh for providing shelter to the Rohingya, he said there are million people who are alive today because of Bangladesh. "Bangladesh gave shelter, food, safety and education to these people".

"We have a lot of things to do. We need a lot of effective action repatriation with safety and security, with political rights and human rights are absolutely essential."

While talking to the Rohingya refugees, Mr Bob Rae said, he got the impression that they are eager to go back to their home in Rakhine state with security and safety.

"They said they want to go home with safety. There is no doubt in anyone's mind about it. Home in Rakhine state that is where they want to be."

The envoy said the international community needs to do hard work on behalf of the Rohingya and for the interests of the whole region to make the repatriation happen immediately.

Responding to a question he said negotiation is on behind the scenes to resolve the crisis and that is the nature of the political process.

"We don't know whether this will succeed or not. Lots of ideas are being discussed; lots of efforts are being made. We all want repatriation with security and safety."

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