Democracy in Myanmar crucial for Rohingya repatriation: Japan

Japan is banking on restoration of democracy in Myanmar for the sustainable repatriation of the forcibly displaced Rohingya in Bangladesh.

“Sustainable repatriation of the forcibly displaced Rohingya would be possible after the resumption of democracy in Myanmar,” visiting Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Takei Shunsuke.

He said this while calling on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Ganabhaban.

PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed the reporters after the meeting.

He said that the Japanese state minister for foreign affairs said Japan supports Bangladesh on the Rohingya issue.

In reply, the prime minister said Japan can talk with Myanmar over Rohingya repatriation.

He said that it is required to wait for democracy for sustainable repatriation of Rohingya.

Sheikh Hasina said Rohingya have become a heavy burden as five years have already elapsed since they took shelter in Bangladesh in 2017.

She said the Rohingya population is increasing. The prime minister said that the biggest challenge is that many of the Rohingya are involved in drug and arms trafficking.

She also said that Rohingya groups are fighting and killing each other.

She iterated her call that Myanmar should take back Rohingya who are their own people.