No formal talks held with Myanmar on repatriation of 3 lakh Rohingyas: Shama Obaid

He shared this information while responding to journalists' questions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday (July 30).

The State Minister said that ensuring the safe, voluntary, and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas to their own homeland is one of the current government's top priorities. If any effective initiative on this matter is implemented, Bangladesh will receive it positively.

He said, "Although communication with the Myanmar government continues on various issues, no formal bilateral talks have been held so far on taking back the three lakh Rohingyas. However, the Prime Minister of Malaysia has raised the matter."

Shama Obaid Islam further said that the permanent solution to the Rohingya crisis is their safe repatriation to their own country. Bangladesh is continuing to work on this issue with the cooperation of the international community.

Meanwhile, in response to a question regarding the repatriation of Bangladeshi fishermen detained in Myanmar, he said the government has taken necessary initiatives to bring them back safely.

He said that recently, a high-level meeting was held involving the Director General of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), the Foreign Secretary, and concerned officials. Currently, several Bangladeshi fishermen are detained by the Arakan Army and other groups, and many are scattered in various areas.

The State Minister said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working in coordination with all concerned parties to identify the detained fishermen and bring them back safely to the country.