IOM assures PM of all support for Rohingya repatriation

Director General of International Organization for Migration (IOM) William Lacy Swing said IOM would extend all-out support to Bangladesh for repatriation of the displaced Rohingyas to Myanmar.

The IOM DG gave the assurances in a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office in the capital today. William Lacy Swing led a six-member delegation of the IOM.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim said, the IOM DG termed the Rohingya crisis as an extraordinary challenge for Bangladesh.

The IOM DG said, his organisation would apply its experience regarding repatriation of the refugees.

William Lacy Swing shared his experience of visiting Cox’s Bazar and said he saw the plight of the Rohingyas as well as sufferings of the local people.

He thanked Bangladesh government for its cooperation and support towards the Rohingya and put emphasis on working together to solve the problem.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister mentioned that the government is preparing an island to relocate the Rohingyas from Cox’s Bazar to ensure their better living. Steps were also taken for protection of the distressed people from rain, cyclone and any disaster during coming monsoon, she said.

Sheikh Hasina said the government has taken all steps to ensure healthcare services and education of the Rohingya children. The government has engaged army, navy, air force, police, administration and common people in the activities to provide supports and assistance to Rohingyas.

Talking about the agreement with Myanmar government regarding the repatriation of the Rohingyas, she said that Myanmar is not acting as per the agreement.

Senior Regional Advisor of IOM Wen Li, spokesperson Leonard Doyle, IOM Bangladesh Mission Chief Giorgi Gigauri, head of refugee cell unit Peppi Siddiq and Deputy Chief of Mission Abdusattor Esoev were present.

Later, Special Envoy of the UN Secretary General Christine Scharaner paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina her at her office.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister called for UN to mount pressure on Myanmar to take back its nationals from Bangladesh.

Sheikh Hasina said, Bangladesh is in dialogue with countries bordering with Myanmar including India, China, Thailand and Laos to find out a solution of the Rohingya crisis. She thanked the international community for their support to Bangladesh on the issue.