If Russia puts pressure, Myanmar will take back Rohingyas’

If Russia uses its influence on Myanmar and put pressure, Naypyidaw can take back its people currently living in Cox’s Bazar camps.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen came up with the opinion while addressing the 5th Asian Conference of Soviet/Russian Graduates at a city hotel on Monday.

Seeking Moscow’s support for Rohingya repatriation, the minister said "We know the Russian Federation has lot of influence on Myanmar".

Though Myanmar agreed to take back its people, not a single Rohingya has so far been repatriated. The Rohingyas, subjected to decades of state-sponsored discrimination, lack faith in Myanmar leadership and are sceptic about a conductive environment for repatriation, said AK Abdul Momen.

Bangladesh is now hosting over 1.1 million Rohingyas who were forced to leave their homes in Rakhine State amid military crackdown and tortures.

Dr Momen said Bangladesh had a long history of friendship with the former Union of the Soviet Socialist Republics. "All of us are aware of the support and contribution Soviet Union extended during our War of Liberation and thereafter."

The then Soviet government raised its voice in the international arena against the atrocities committed on the people of Bangladesh and took active part in the re-construction and rehabilitation efforts immediately after the country was born.

The USSR also provided its support to Bangladesh in acquiring international recognition and to facilitate its admission to the United Nations.

Recognising the partnership and friendship with the USSR, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman paid a historic visit to Moscow on March 1, 1972 which laid foundations of Bangladesh-Russia bilateral relations.

Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander I Ignatov, among others, spoke at the programme.

Dhaka/Hasan/Mukul