ZCZC
BSS-17
PM-DANISH-MINISTER-MEET
Denmark, WFP assure of continued support to Rohingyas
DHAKA, Oct 31, 2018 (BSS) – The Danish government and the World Food
Program (WFP) assured of continued support to Bangladesh for the repatriation
as well as subsistence of the Rohingyas during their stay in Bangladesh.
Visiting Danish Minister for Development Cooperation Ulla Pederson
Tornaes and WFP Executive Director David Beasley came up with the assurance
during a courtesy call on Prime Minister at her Gonobhaban Residence here
today.
PM’s press secretary Ehsanul Karim said Ulla Pederson Tornaes mainly
discussed the Rohingya issue with the Prime Minister and informed about the
decision of the Danish government of giving US$ 3.5 million humanitarian
support to the Rohingyas.
The Danish Minister highly appreciated the Bangladesh government for
hosting a huge number of Rohingya population and constant efforts to arrange
shelter, food and healthcare facilities for the displaced Myanmar’s people
well as education of their children.
“It’s really a big challenge to host the huge number of people,” the
Danish Minister said appreciating dedicated services of the workers of
Rohingya camps.
Ulla said she has seen a total change of atmosphere during her visit to
the camps comparing to the situation as it was before.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said the process of return of the Rohingyas
will begin very soon since Myanmar has agreed to take back their nationals.
In the first phase, she said, a total of 2,260 people of 485 families would
go back to their home.
Sheikh Hasina requested the Danish government and the WFP to extend their
support to Rohingyas after their repatriation.
The Prime Minister highlighted the steps taken by her government for
temporary shelter, healthcare services and education of the Rohingyas.
About 1,600 schools were built in the camps and educated Rohingyas were
appointed to give them education in their own language, she mentioned.
Taking any possible natural disaster into consideration, Sheikh Hasina
said, her government has taken steps to relocate the displaced Rohingyas to
cyclone shelter centres constructed at a place named Bhasan Char where they
would be able to live in a safer and better conditions.
Noting that Bangladesh Navy and about 7,000 workers were engaged in
Bhasan Char for constructing the shelter centres, she said after repatriation
of the Rohingyas, the cyclone centres would be used for domestic purposes.
The Prime Minister pointed out the sufferings of the local people due to
intrusion of huge number of Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar saying the government is
helping local community as the Myanmar nationals have occupied their
cultivable lands.
The Prime Minister thanked the Danish government for uninterrupted
political support and humanitarian assistance to Rohingays. She also extended
special thanks to the WFP for its uninterrupted attention to the issue which
was crucial for sustainable solution to the crisis.
The press secretary said the issue of upcoming election also came in
their discussion when the Prime Minister said the election would be held in
due time.
The Election Commission (EC) will declare the schedule and all
administration and law enforcement agencies will be controlled by the EC, the
premier said.
Sheikh Hasina also briefed the Danish Minister about Bangladesh’s
socioeconomic achievements over the years, saying the progress of Bangladesh
has been interrupted by military rule, quasi martial law and undemocratic
rulers.
“Bangabandhu dreamt for a social welfare state. But, he could not fulfill
his dream as he was brutally killed in only three and a half years of
independence,” she added.
The Danish Minister recalled the long history of cooperation in various
areas between Bangladesh and Denmark.
Principal secretary to the Prime Minister Md Nozibur Rahman and PMO
secretary Sazzadul Hassan were present.
BSS/AKH/MRI/OF/1608 hrs