President seeks Pope’s help to resolve Rohingya crisis

Desk Report: President M Abdul Hamid on Thursday sought Pope Francis' help in repatriating the displaced Rohnigyas to their homeland and keeping up the pressure on Myanmar to resolve the protracted crisis.

The President came up with the call as Pope Francis, the leader of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics, held a private talk with him after a reception hosted by the President in the evening at Bangabhaban.

“During the meeting, the President categorically sought Pope's active role so that different countries and the international community put pressure on the Myanmar government to settle the issue,” President's Press Secretary Joynal Abedin quoted the president as telling the meeting.

Thanking Pope's stance on the Rohingya issue, the President hoped that Pope Francis will play a very positive role to ensure their (Rohingyas) safe and dignified return to their ancestral land.

He recalled the heartfelt support of the Vatican government during the 1971 Liberation War and said the relations between Bangladesh and Vatican City strengthened gradually.

Welcoming Pope Francis, Hamid said his visit to Bangladesh is recognition of the history of religious tolerance and harmony and age-old tradition of peaceful coexistence by the people of different religions in Bangladesh.

Cabinet and parliament members, eminent citizens and diplomats were, among others, present at the meeting.


Source: BSS

risingbd/Dhaka/Nov 30, 2017/Saif/AI