China has expressed willingness to facilitate talks between Bangladesh and Myanmar to help resolve the protracted Rohingya crisis.
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed his country's willingness on Saturday when he called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the latter’s official residence Ganobhaban in the city.
PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.
He said the visiting Chinese Foreign Minister mentioned that Rohingya issue is the internal problem of Myanmar, but this is affecting Bangladesh.
"China is willing to facilitate a dialogue between Myanmar and Bangladesh to resolve the Rohingya crisis. This is a big challenge for Bangladesh...this is Myanmar's internal problem, but this is affecting Bangladesh," Ihsanul Karim quoted the Chinese Foreign Minister as saying.
The Chinese Foreign Minister said his country does not want the activities of BCIM Economic Corridor to slow down.
Sheikh Hasina urged the Chinese Foreign Minister to mount pressure on Myanmar to take back their nationals.
She said Bangladesh has given shelter to over 10 lakh Rohingyas on humanitarian ground. "Myanmar will have to take back their nationals ensuring their safety, security and dignity for a durable solution to the crisis," she said.
According to a UNB report, Hasina mentioned that Rohingyas are Myanmar nationals and they have to take back their citizens from Bangladesh as the relations between Bangladesh and Myanmar are good.
The Prime Minister narrated the plight of the Rohingya people in Bangladesh, especially the women and children, and said a good number of Rohingya women are pregnant.
Reiterating the government's stance not to allow the land of Bangladesh for using by any terrorist group to commit any acts of insurgency in neighbouring countries, she said, "This is our firm decision."