US to stand by Bangladesh in resolving Rohingya crisis: Curtis

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DHAKA, March 4, 2018 (BSS) – Visiting Deputy Assistant to the US President and Senior Director for South and Central Asia at the National Security Council Lisa Curtis today said the USA will remain with and stand by Bangladesh in resolving the Rohingya crisis.

She made the vow while held a meeting with Bangladesh Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, MP, at the latter’s office this morning, a press release said.

The Donald Trump’s aide said the USA offers further assistance to deal with the upcoming challenges, especially when the monsoon is approaching soon.

During the meeting, she shared her experience of visiting Cox’s Bazar and getting the victims’ account of atrocities committed in the Rakhine State.

She mentioned that the Rohingyas wanted to go back to their homes in Myanmar, if the conditions are safe.

Curtis deeply appreciated Bangladesh’s role in sheltering the persecuted Rohingyas and providing necessary support to them.

“Bangladesh could be a model in the world on how to deal with such humanitarian situations,” she observed.

The foreign minister said that the relationship between Bangladesh and the USA is getting stronger and expressed Bangladesh government’s gratitude to the US Government, President Trump and its people for strong political and humanitarian support towards Bangladesh in addressing the crisis.

In this regard, he urged the U.S. side to continue playing a strong role at the United Nations Security Council.

The foreign minister also emphasized the sustained pressure by the international community including the U.S. on the Myanmar Government to create a safe and secured condition in Northern Rakhine for the safe and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas to their homes.

Deputy Assistant Curtis assured that Rohingya issue is now a part of the U.S. policy discussion and it will continue the pressure on Myanmar Government for their safe and dignified return.

Focusing on President Trump’s National Security Strategy, Curtis highlighted the Indo-Pacific Strategy of the U.S. Administration and expressed U.S.’s eagerness to further deepen its engagement with Bangladesh, as the country is a vibrant democracy with an impressive economic growth.

On the return of the killers of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujbur Rahman, Curtis informed that she would convey the message to the concerned high dignitaries in Washington.

On a query from Curtis, Foreign Minister mentioned that Bangladesh government is committed to a free, fair and participatory election and observers from different countries including U.S. are welcome as well to observe the election.

Curtis also called on Advisor for Security Affairs to Prime Minister Major Gen (retd.) Tarique Ahmed Siddique today and discussed the prospect of strengthening bilateral cooperation in the areas of defence and security.

Deputy Assistant Ms. Lisa Curtis also called the Prime Minister’s International Affairs Advisor Professor Dr. Gowher Rizvi in the afternoon.

She left Dhaka this evening.