Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged Japan to remain actively engaged in efforts to resolve the Rohingya crisis, saying a lasting solution depends on the safe and voluntary return of the displaced people to Myanmar.

“The lasting solution to the (Rohingya) crisis lies in Myanmar,” he said during a bilateral summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the Kantei, the Japanese prime minister’s office, in Tokyo on Tuesday.

According to UNB, Tarique expressed concern over the worsening situation in Myanmar and called for an end to violence, unhindered humanitarian assistance and dialogue among the parties involved. He also urged Japan to help promote peace and stability in Rakhine State.

The prime minister thanked Japan for its continued support for Bangladesh’s humanitarian response to Rohingya refugees, hundreds of thousands of whom fled persecution in Myanmar and sought shelter in Bangladesh.

The two leaders also discussed expanding trade and investment, strengthening energy security, and cooperation in technology, infrastructure and regional affairs. Tarique invited Japanese businesses to play a greater role in Bangladesh’s economic development and industrialisation.

Reaffirming their shared commitment to a peaceful and inclusive Indo-Pacific, the leaders stressed the importance of regional connectivity, free trade and international cooperation.

Tarique also thanked Japan for supporting Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman’s election as president of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, expressing his willingness to work closely with Tokyo on global challenges.

He invited Takaichi to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time, saying he hoped the two countries would further strengthen their longstanding partnership.

BOB Post