President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday urged the international community to take stronger action to ensure the safe repatriation of Rohingyas forcibly displaced to Bangladesh and protect vulnerable women and children.
The President made the call when Duchess of Edinburgh Sophie Helen Rhys-Jones paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban.
During the meeting, the president said the Duchess’s visit carried a message of hope for the Rohingya people of Myanmar, particularly women and children, who are facing an uncertain future.
He said her visit to the Rohingya camps would play an important role in drawing greater international attention to the humanitarian crisis.
The president said the protracted Rohingya crisis was putting immense socioeconomic and environmental pressure on densely populated Bangladesh while also raising concerns over regional security.
Fakhrul welcomed the Duchess to Bangladesh and praised her longstanding contributions to women’s dignity and empowerment, eye health and the development of young people.
Referring to Bangladesh’s longstanding friendly relations with the UK, he said Bangladesh remained committed to further advancing bilateral ties based on mutual respect and shared interests.
During the meeting, they also discussed increasing British investment in Bangladesh, improving the education system and expanding women’s participation in sports, among other issues.
The Duchess shared her experiences during her three-day visit to Bangladesh, including visits to the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protisthan (BKSP) and the Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation Training (BIPSOT).
She praised Bangladesh’s progress in advancing and empowering women and their contribution to the country’s economic development.
The President expressed hope that the Duchess’s visit would further strengthen the existing friendly relations and cooperation between Bangladesh and the UK.
Senior officials from the president’s office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the British High Commissioner and members of the Duchess’s delegation were present during the meeting.
