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Beijing to play 'constructive role' in settling Rohingya issue
Some 150 tons of relief materials from China for the Rohingyas to reach Chittagong within a couple of days.
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Humanitarian crisis: Rohingya refugees wait for food distribution organized by the Bangladesh army at the refugee camp of Balukhali near Gumdhum on Sept.25. More than 436,000 refugees have crossed the border from Rakhine since Aug. 25 when a military crackdown was launched following attacks by Rohingya militants, according to UN figures on Sept. 25.
(AFP/Dominique Faget)
China on Monday said it wanted to play a “constructive role” in resolving the Rohingya crisis as soon as possible.
“We sincerely hope this issue will be settled as soon as possible. China is willing to play a constructive role towards this,” Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka Ma Mingqiang said.
He was addressing a reception at the Chinese embassy marking the 68th founding anniversary of China, reports UNB.
The diplomat said some 150 tons of relief materials from China for the Rohingyas would reach Chittagong within a couple of days.
According to an official, the relief goods are likely to reach the port city on Thursday.
The ambassador highly appreciated Bangladesh's humanitarian assistance to the Rohingyas. “We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the large number of refugees in Cox's Bazar.”
He said Bangladesh and China are developing countries with large populations and the two countries have many things in common.
Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu attended the function as the chief guest. He stressed the need for further strengthening Bangladesh-China relations.
Cabinet members, prime minister's advisers, diplomats, political leaders, senior journalists and civil society members were present.
The Communist Party of China (CPC) Monday assured Bangladesh of convincing the Myanmar government to resolve the Rohingya problem permanently, reports BSS.
The assurance came during a meeting in Beijing between the CPC and visiting 18-member Awami League delegation, led by presidium member Faruk Khan.
“China will convince the Myanmar government to hold talks with Bangladesh as we think a permanent solution to the Rohingya problem is a must for ensuring peace in the rejoin,” said Li Jun, vice-minister of the International Liaison Department of the CPC.
AL Deputy Office Secretary Biplab Barua, also a delegation member, informed the BSS about the meeting over the phone.
AL Joint General Secretary Dipu Moni described the torture inflicted on Rohingyas and sought an effective role of the Chinese government in solving the Rohingya problem.
In reply, Lee June said, “We are well aware of the Rohingya crisis and we have already talked with the Myanmar government about the matter to find a peaceful and permanent solution to the problem.”
The CPC leader said his country would play a positive role in the international arena to ensure repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar.
“We are respectful to the Awami League government's humanitarian gesture towards the Rohingyas. We will send relief, including blankets and tents, on Sept. 27 in response to the initiative of the prime minister of Bangladesh [for Rohingyas].”
The AL delegation included Cultural Affairs Secretary Ashim Kumar Ukil, Information and Research Secretary Afzal Hossain, Legal Affairs Secretary SM Rezaul Karim, Forest and Environment Affairs Secretary Delwar Hossain, International Affairs Secretary Shammi Ahmed, Remon Areng, lawmaker Habibe Millat and central committee members Nazibullah Hiru, Riazul Kabir Kawsar and Dipankar Talukder.
This article appeared on The Daily Star newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post
