PM seeks Singapore's support for Rohingya repatriation

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has sought Singapore's support to resolve the Rohingya crisis through repatriation of the displaced people to their place of origin in Myanmar's Rakhine State.

Prime Minister Hasina mentioned that Rohingyas are a "formidable challenge" as Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat wanted to know about Bangladesh's challenges.      

Sheikh Hasina discussed the issue when the Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore met her at Taj Mahal hotel here on Friday.

Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque briefed reporters after the meeting. 

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam and Prime Minister's Principal Secretary Md Nojibur Rahman were present.

Bangladesh is now hosting over 1.1 million Rohingyas and most of them entered Cox’s Bazar since August 25, 2017 amid military crackdown on Rohingyas.

The Prime Minister sought Singapore's role so that Rohingyas can return to their home, said the Foreign Secretary. 

Haque said Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister also wanted to know from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina how the rapid development in Bangladesh has been possible. 

Hasina shared her experiences in taking Bangladesh forward on development highway, he said.           

Heng Swee Keat also wanted to know Hasina's priority for Bangladesh’s further development, Haque said.       

In reply, Hasina said agriculture, education and building people with skills are her priority.