“Rohingyas have been given shelter (in Bangladesh) on humanitarian grounds. There’s no diplomatic failure here to send them back. Rather, some strategic matters are there. It needs to come back one step after moving two steps forward in many cases. It can’t be called diplomatic failure,” he said.
Quader, also Awami League general secretary, made the remark while addressing a discussion at the auditorium of the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh in the city.
BRTC Sramik Karmachari League arranged the event marking the National Mourning Day.
Mentioning that creating congenial atmosphere in Myanmar is related to the repatriation of displaced Rohingyas, the minister said, “The Myanmar government hasn’t yet created such environment, ensured safety there (Rakhine state) and resolved the citizenship issue. So, they (Myanmar) couldn’t restore trust among Rohingyas,” he said.
“They (Rohingyas) were persecuted. So, Myanmar will have to take its responsibility,” said Quader.
Noting that there was much instigation, he said Bangladesh will not take the path of war; rather it will move forward on the path of peace and will continue international pressure on Myanmar.
The minister said the displaced Rohingyas will have to be sent back ensuring their safety and dignity. “Those who say the diplomatic efforts (over repatriation of Rohingyas) have failed are not right.”
He also said, “We’ll have to keep in mind that Myanmar has also friends and strong friends in the world and even in Asia.” There’s no way to deny the reality. There’s nothing to think that they (Myanmar) are friend-less despite of establishing a long autocratic regime.”
Mentioning that a friendship is developed (between two countries) on economic and financial grounds in today’s world, Quader said, “All have their own calculation and consideration. Friends of Myanmar are not less strong. So, we’ll move forward tactfully.”
Talking about corruption in the BRTC, the minister said it will never make profit if it is not freed from corruption.
Seeking cooperation from all officials and employees, he said the government will take a very harsh position to make BRTC a profitable organisation after freeing it from corruption.
Over the dengue issue, Quader said though there was a slow process in controlling Aedes mosquito initially, efforts were strengthened now. “There’s no scope to show laxity in this regard. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is monitoring it.”
State Minister for Labour and Employment Begum Monnujan Sufian, BRTC chairman Farid Ahmed Khan and Jatiya Sramik League President Shukkur Mahmud also spoke at the discussion presided over by acting president of BRTC Sramik Karmachari League Abdul Kader.