Bangladesh wants Singapore to be ‘pro-active’ in resolving the ongoing Rohingya crisis and expediting the return process. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday sought Singapore’s support for convincing Myanmar in this regard, the foreign ministry said.
He also thanked Singapore for the humanitarian support extended to the Rohingyas and sought a ‘pro-active role’ from Singapore on the repatriation issue.
The issue came up when Singapore’s non-Resident High Commissioner to Bangladesh Derek Loh Eu-Tse called on the foreign minister at the latter’s office in Dhaka. He requested the High Commissioner to facilitate the negotiation process in ASEAN platform to convince Myanmar “to create a conducive environment for a safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas who are forcible persecuted from Myanmar.”
“The High Commissioner assured to remain engaged on the issue and continue Singapore’s support for a durable solution of the crisis,” the foreign ministry said.
Dr Momen invited Singapore’s Prime Minister and President to visit Bangladesh this year to celebrate the Birth Centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The envoy also invited the Foreign Minister to visit Singapore.
The foreign minister pointed out that the volume of bilateral trade can be enhanced significantly if Singapore avails the existing investment facilities offered to foreign investors in Bangladesh. He urged the Singapore investors to invest in Special Economic Zones which are already developed in Bangladesh.
He also appreciated Singapore’s support for lawful labor migration from Bangladesh to Singapore. He also suggested that Singapore government can appoint skilled, semi-skilled professionals particularly the nurses and IT professionals mentioning that Bangladesh has established 28 Hi-Tech Park and also providing appropriate training to the nurses to work abroad.
