Staff Reporter :
Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud has stated that the Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) is maintaining a heightened state of readiness along the border with Rakhine State, Myanmar, due to the renewed tension in the internal situation there.
He further said that the Rohingyas are causing various problems inside Bangladesh and the international community can put pressure on Myanmar to take them back.
“Discussions have taken place with them on the issue. The tense situation in Rakhine State did not happen suddenly. It has been going on for the past few days. Our border guards have been vigilant there for a long time,” he said on Saturday.
After holding a meeting with the visiting four members of the British Parliament at the State Guest House in Padma, he responded the journalists.
The minister further said, “Tense situations have been occurring there repeatedly over the last few days. We have always sought international assistance.
They are with us. If pressure is exerted on Myanmar from the international community, they will be compelled to take back their citizens (Rohingya),” He said.
He further stated, “For the sake of humanity, we provided shelter to the Rohingyas. The various problems we are facing are due to the Rohingya refugees. We have discussed this with the delegation of the British Parliament.”
“We are facing security and environmental issues here for Rohingyas. In addition, The Rohingya camps have become a breeding ground for extremism, and terrorist groups are making efforts to recruit members from there,” he said.
He further said, “Our country is densely populated, and due to the Rohingya issue, we are facing a crisis. Every year, 35 thousand new Rohingya children are born. We have told these issues to the members of British Parliament.”
About his meeting with them, he said, “They have come to strengthen relations with Bangladesh. I have urged them to increase investment in our country. I have specifically discussed the possibilities of investment in the IT and agriculture sectors.”
Many expatriate Bangladeshis have the capability to invest in Bangladesh, and there is growing interest among them for investment, he added.
Regarding the issue of Gaza and the appeal from South Africa in the context of the judgment of the International Court, he said, “We welcome the judgment given by the ICJ. We have previously expressed support for the South African appeal.”
“Bangladesh is ready to provide further support if South Africa needs more support in this regard. The violence occurring in Palestine, where human rights violations are taking place, has been addressed by the ICJ’s judgment. We will assist in stopping the crimes against humanity committed there.”
The UK Parliament members are on a five-day visit to Bangladesh and they would visit the Rohingya camps.
Among others, Paul Scully, Member of Parliament and former Minister for Business and Industry from the Conservative Party; Neil Coyle, Member of Parliament and member of the Select Committee on Foreign Affairs from the Labour Party; Andrew Western, Whip for the Labour Party, Dominic Moffitt, Senior Parliamentary Assistant at the House of Commons; Zillur Hussain, Trustee of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust and Chairman of Connect; Dr. Ivelina Banyalieva, CEO of Connect; and Dr. Sumon Choudhury, Country Director for Bangladesh at the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, were present on the meeting with foreign minister of Bangladesh.
