Bangladesh wants Singapore’s role in Rohingya repatriation

Bangladesh has sought support from Singapore to facilitate the negotiation process in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) platform to convince Myanmar to create a favourable environment for a safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas who fled to Bangladesh amid persecution in Myanmar, reports UNB.

Foreign minister AK Abdul Momen discussed the issue when Singapore’s non-resident high commissioner to Bangladesh Derek Loh Eu-Tse met him at the foreign affairs ministry on Monday.

The high commissioner assured the minister of remaining engaged in the issue and continued Singapore’s support for a durable solution to the crisis, according to the foreign affairs ministry.

Momen thanked Singapore for the humanitarian support extended to the Rohingyas, and sought a proactive role it on the repatriation issue.

He invited Singapore’s prime minister and president to visit Bangladesh this year to celebrate the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The envoy also invited the foreign minister to visit Singapore.

Momen welcomed him and recalled the warm and friendly bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Singapore.

The foreign minister noted that Singapore is an important bilateral trade and investment partner of Bangladesh.

He pointed out that the volume of bilateral trade can be enhanced significantly if Singapore avails itself of the existing investment facilities offered to foreign investors in Bangladesh.

The foreign minister also urged the Singaporean investors to invest in Special Economic Zones which are already developed in Bangladesh.

Momen appreciated Singapore’s support for lawful labour migration from Bangladesh to that country.

He also suggested that Singapore government can appoint skilled, semiskilled professionals, particularly nurses and IT professionals.