Responsibility for resolution of Rohingya crisis rests with Myanmar, Pompeo tells Momen

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo has said the responsibility for resolution of the Rohingya refugee crisis rests with Myanmar, which must create the necessary conditions for voluntary repatriation.

He made the comment in his first bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen in Washington Monday.

They discussed “increasing economic, security, and counterterrorism cooperation” between Bangladesh and US, according to a State Department statement.

The secretary lauded Bangladesh’s generosity in continuing to host one million Rohingya refugees from Burma, and emphasised how we will work with the international community to increase support for the refugees and host communities, while addressing root causes and conditions in Burma.

The Bangladesh foreign ministry said issues featuring in the meeting were repatriation of the Rohingyas and creation of credible international pressure on Myanmar in that respect, deportation of Bangabandhu’s killer Rashed Chowdhury from US to Bangladesh, shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific, US investments in Bangladesh, duty and quota free access of Bangladesh’s garments products in the US market and US-Bangladesh partnership in multiple sectors.

On the Rohingya issue, the foreign ministry said the Secretary of State “reassured that the one million plus forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals have to return to Myanmar without any form of fear and persecution”.

“It is the responsibility of the Myanmar government and military to create conducive environment so that the Rohingyas feel safe to return home,” he asserted.

He also reiterated the US would stand beside Bangladesh both politically and financially in finding a permanent solution to the Rohingya crisis.

Momen informed him that Bangladesh at its own expense has developed the island “Bhashan Char” into a livable place in which 100,000 Rohingyas are planned to be relocated in coordination with UN agencies and different aid groups.

He sought US support to the creation of a safe zone in Rakhine State monitored by international human rights groups.

Regarding deportation of Bangabandhu’s self-confessed and convicted killer Rashed Chowdhury from the US, the Bangladesh Foreign Minister pointed out that he is fleeing justice.

“This is essential to carry out a vital common agenda of both countries pertaining to Counter-terrorism and Countering-Violent Extremism and upholding rule of law,” he told Pompeo.

Both leaders agreed that for greater prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, vital energy and infrastructure projects need to be implemented on regional partnership basis.

In that respect, leaders of the region need to work together on issues such as governance, accountability, rule of law and maritime security.

Momen stated that Bangladesh is lauded internationally for its impressive development journey. He sought more investment from the US in the oil and gas sector and US presence in the Special Economic Zones.

He also sought US support to the candidature of Bangladesh in the upcoming election to the post of Deputy Director General of International Organization for Migration (IOM).

According to the State Department, Secretary Pompeo emphasised the importance of advancing good governance, transparency, and democratic values, as Bangladesh continues its emergence as a key partner in the Indo-Pacific.

Earlier, Momen also held meetings with Deputy National Security Adviser Charles Kupperman and senior officials of the State Department.

Bangladesh Ambassador to the US Mohammad Ziauddin accompanied the minister at the meetings.