No discussion between Bangladesh and Myanmar on taking back 3 lakh Rohingyas: Shama Obaed

As media reports claimed that Myanmar has agreed to take back 300,000 Rohingyas from Bangladesh, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said today (30 July) that there has been no discussion between the governments of Bangladesh and Myanmar so far.

Speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she said that if such a development takes place, Bangladesh would certainly welcome it.

“It will be very good news. I do not know anything specific yet,” she said, noting that they remain in contact with Myanmar.

Myanmar has agreed to take back 300,000 Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh as part of ongoing repatriation efforts, Malaysian media outlets reported, quoting Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar said Myanmar had also agreed to repatriate 5,000 Rohingya refugees from Malaysia.

“That is why it is important to maintain good relations with Myanmar. They have now agreed to take back 5,000 Rohingya from Malaysia and 300,000 Rohingya from Bangladesh to Myanmar,” The Star quoted him as saying.

“Why? Because we negotiated. These matters require careful diplomacy,” the Malaysian Prime Minister added.

He made the remarks while meeting local voters in Chennah on Wednesday.

Bangladesh is hosting over 1.3 million Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char Island.