Bangladesh wants to work with Myanmar on refugee issues, says PM Hasina

Bangladesh is looking forward to work with Myanmar to find a permanent solution on the matter of refugees, says Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Her remarks came on Tuesday while speaking at the 'Leaders' Summit on Refugees' in New York, said Press Secretary to the PM Ihsanul Karim.

In her address at the summit hosted by US President Barak Obama, Hasina said she was 'already in touch' with Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

The two countries have a dispute over Rohingya refugees. Over 500,000 Muslim Rohingyas from Myanmar have been in Bangladesh's refugee camps.

Hasina meets Suu Kyi in NY

Hasina told the summit that Bangladesh, with its limited resources, has been hosting the refugees for nearly three decades, which she said poses many social, economic and political challenges for the country.

She, however, said her government will keep investing in their security, health, education and skills.

Bangladesh plans to provide identity documents for refugees from the neighbouring country, said the PM adding it will help them to get services like health and education.

Urging the international community to remain engaged on the issue, Hasina said, "As part of our commitment to leave no one behind, we must promote orderly, safe, regular and responsible mobility of people."

Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali, PM's Principal Secretary Md Abul Kalam Azad and Foreign Secretary Md Shahidul Huq were also present.

Earlier, the prime minister joined luncheon reception hosted by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon at the conference building of the UN Headquarters.