FM seeks global role to resolve Rohingya crisis

Desk Report: Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has urged world leaders to play a strong role in resolving the ongoing Rohingya crisis.

“The long-pending Rohingya crisis will create instability in this region. Both Bangladesh and Myanmar will equally suffer from it. The interests of all the neighbours will also be affected,” he told reporters after arriving in Sylhet in his maiden visit to the division on Tuesday.

“A peaceful and sustainable solution of the crisis is an urgent now for the interest of all,” the foreign minister said.

People from all strata, including Awami League (AL) leaders of Sylhet city and district units, welcomed the minister with bouquets on his arrival in the city.

Later, Momen offered ziyarats at the mazars of Hazrat Shah Jalal (R) and Hazrat Shah Paran (R), and placed a wreath at Shaheed Minar.

Terming the Rohingya crisis a serious issue, the foreign minister said the government is trying its best to resolve the Rohingya crisis through discussion with Myanmar.

About his first visit to India as the foreign minister, he said: “It is merely a courtesy visit. We would not like to take up more issues during the visit. But many discussions will be held”.

Momen said nine secretaries of different departments will accompany him during the visit.

In the afternoon, Sylhet Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) accorded a reception to newly appointed Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen.

Chaired by SCCI President Khondker Shiper Ahmed, the reception programme was addressed, among others, by Sylhet City Corporation Mayor Ariful Haque Chowdhury.

Awami League (AL) Organising Secretary Advocate Md Misbah Uddin Siraj, Sylhet City AL President Badar Uddin Ahmed Kamran and Sylhet district AL General Secretary Shafiqur Rahman were, among others, present. _BSS
 

risingbd/Dhaka/January 15, 2019/AKA