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ASEAN to put pressure on Mynmar on Rohingya issue


Published : 08 Aug 2019 08:59 PM | Updated : 01 Sep 2020 01:17 PM

The ambassadors of the ASEAN countries have given assurance that they would put pressure on Myanmar to repatriate the Rohingyas. They came up with the assurance while exchanging views on the issue held at Thai Embassy in Bangladesh on Thurday. Diplomats, including some envoys, posted in Dhaka, gathered in the capital on the occasion of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Day.

Industry Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun was present as the Chief Guest with Thai Ambassador to Bangladesh Arunrung Phothong Humphreys in the chair. Majid said Bangladesh wants to resolve the Rohingya crisis peacefully maintaining good relations with the neighbouring countries. Bangladesh is concerned over the Rohingya crises, in particular addressing the traditional security challenges, such as degradation of marine environment, trafficking of illicit drugs and arms, robbery at sea, illegal fishing, cyber crimes and human trafficking.

“We call upon the ASEAN community to increase cooperation in responding to these emerging threats, and stress the need to address these challenges in a holistic and comprehensive manner,” the Minister said. “It has the potential to destabilize the entire region. We solicit support and cooperation from our ASEAN friends. Rohingyas can return to their place of abode in safety, security and dignity and reintegrate in their original society.” He also said.

He informed that Bangladesh is currently hosting 1.1 million forcibly displaced Rohingya people of Myanmar. Despite various challenges to its economy, ecology as well as the overall societal impact it may render, Bangladesh took a bold and humanitarian decision to shelter them for the sake of humanity. “We in Bangladesh are mindful of our historical and cultural ties with the ASEAN Member States that bind our nations together. We firmly believe that our desire to enhance peace and harmony in the region will further cement these ties,” he added.

“The potentials of ASEAN and ARF lie in the fact that they have brought the countries together with very diverse political, economic and millitary systems, providing a setting through which we can exchange ideas, opinions, experiences and expertise,” the Minister said. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is an organization that is made up of a group of member states. The goal of the organization, which is also known as ASEAN, is to promote stability and economic growth across these nations.

The organization was originally founded in 1967. At the time of its founding, there were five founding nations. The alliance was founded during the Cold War period in order to make the region more stable. ASEAN has since grown to 10 member states. The organization focuses on boosting economic and trade growth, with all member states having a free trade agreement. Travel within the region is also easier for member states.