US working to solve Rohingya crisis, not to punish anyone

Staff Correspondent: Visiting US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Thomas A Shannon said their current purpose is to solve the Rohingya problem, not to punish anyone.

The US official said this while addressing a joint briefing at State Guesthouse Padma on Sunday.

“Our efforts are not to punish but to solve the problem,” he said adding that the US is working with Bangladesh government and other international organisations to address the ongoing Rohingya refugee influx.

"So, engagement is taking place. Dialogue is taking place," Shannon said.

During the press briefing, Foreign Secretary Md Shahidul Haque thanked the US delegation for working over Rohingya crisis.

Meanwhile, Shahidul Haque said the US remains the strongest supporter of Bangladesh over the Rohingya issue.

Earlier on Saturday, Simon Henshaw said, “Responsibility of repatriation lies with the government of Myanmar. It is responsible starting up the process and making sure that they are providing the safe and secure area for people to voluntarily return.”



risingbd/Dhaka/Nov 5, 2017/N A/Nasim