DHAKA: China gave consent to Bangladesh’s proposal to setting up a safe zone for the Rohingya inside Myanmar for dignified repatriation of displaced millions of Rohingyas.

Bangladesh has already started holding talks with Asean countries to   agree Myanmar to create a safe zone which may generate perception of safety and security for Rohingya people and make them willing to voluntarily return. Countries also gave positive response to this initiative, foreign ministry sources said.

A senor officer of Foreign Ministry told Banglanews that Bangladesh had a discussion where China has agreed to establish Safe Zone there. The consent from China will lead to create a Safe Zone inside Myanmar. 

One year ago, Bangladesh proposed a “safe zone” for the forcibly displaced Rohingyas by ensuring their dignified repatriation under the monitoring of India, China and other ASEAN nations. 

But Myanmar ruled out the proposal citing, “If Safe Zone is established inside Myanmar, then the international community will rule there”.

Bangladesh again urged the international community to establish safe zone for Rohingyas. The establishment of Safe Zone was among the three-point proposal placed by Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque at a special meeting at UN Security Council held over Myanmar situation on February 28. 

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in the UN session, has earlier demanded establishment of a Safe Zone inside Myanmar for Rohingyas.

BDST: 1400 HRS, MAR 3, 2019
RS/SMS