Zia for diplomatic approach to Rohingya crisis

Bangladesh National Party (BNP) chairperson Khaleda Zia has urged the government and the international community to intensify diplomatic efforts to resolve the Rohingya crisis as soon as possible.
Zia made the call while talking to reporters after distributing relief materials among displaced Myanmar nationals at Moynargona Rohingya camp in Ukhiya area of Cox’s Bazar district.
The BNP chief also urged Myanmar to take back its nationals ensuring their security and citizenship for the sake of humanity.
“We think the Rohingya crisis won’t be resolved only by distributing relief materials. The Rohingya will have to be repatriated through discussions and strong diplomatic efforts so that they can live in their own country with security and without fear,” she said.
Mentioning that the government could not yet take any effective step to resolve the Rohingya problem, Zia said, “The Bangladesh government must strengthen its diplomatic efforts to send back the Rohingya. Alongside, the international organisations will have to take responsibility for repatriating
them on humanitarian ground.”
The BNP chief called upon the international community to come forward to ensure the safe return of Rohingya to their own country. “I appeal to the international organisations: You please translate your words into actions to overcome the problem.”
Zia said the international community should understand Bangladesh is a poor, small and densely populated country.
“Though we’re poor, we’ve got the big heart, and we love people. With that spirit, locals are making their best efforts and providing money from their pockets to ease the pains and sufferings of the Rohingya.”
She further said, “But it’s not possible for us to bear it for a long time. So, Myanmar should take steps to take their citizens back to their country as early as possible as winter is approaching fast as the rainy season is over.”
The BNP chief voiced concern that Bangladesh’s environment and ecological balance has been at stake due to tree and hill cutting by Rohingya. “That’s why the government should take steps to send them back to Myanmar.”
Zia visited Rohingya camps at Hakim Para, Balukhali and a medical camp set up by Doctors’ Association of Bangladesh (DAB) at Ukhia.
The BNP chief hailed the role of army in distributing
relief in a disciplined manner.