State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir on Thursday accused the previous “fascist” government of limiting its diplomatic efforts for Rohingya repatriation to “showmanship” instead of taking effective initiatives, saying this prolonged and complicated the crisis.
He made the remarks in reply to a tabled question from reserved-seat MP Selina Sultana during question-answer session in Parliament.
The state minister said the government is committed to finding a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis and ensuring the safe, voluntary and sustainable return of the displaced Rohingyas to their homeland.
“The crisis was created by Myanmar and its sustainable solution also lies in Myanmar,” he said.
He said the government is working for an early and sustainable solution through strong diplomatic initiatives at bilateral, regional and international levels.
“Taking all parties along, we will further strengthen our diplomatic efforts towards this goal,” he said.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said Bangladesh is giving the Rohingya issue the highest priority at the United Nations and other international forums to bring the crisis to the centre of global attention.
High-level communications with friendly countries, donor states and international organisations are continuing, he said, adding that the government is also considering Track 1.5 and Track 2 diplomacy alongside conventional diplomacy.
He said a National Action Strategy Formulation Committee on Rohingya Affairs, headed by the Prime Minister, and a committee on peace, discipline and security in the camps, led by the Home Minister, have recently been formed.
The government is organising a high-level event on the Rohingya issue during the upcoming 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, he said.
“We hope the Prime Minister will participate in the event as the keynote speaker. Through this, international support for resolving the Rohingya crisis and repatriation will be consolidated,” the state minister said.
Replying to a question from Satkhira-2 MP Muhammad Abdul Khaleque, Khalilur Rahman said the government is sincere about improving bilateral relations with India.
“However, it must be based on equal footing,” he said.
The government is working through discussions to ensure the safety and security of Bangladeshi people living along the border and to increase legal trade and commerce, he said.
Replying to a question from reserved-seat MP Nawaz Halima Arli on push-ins along the border, the state minister said the government takes any push-in or attempt to push people into Bangladesh very seriously.
The Foreign Ministry has conveyed Bangladesh’s deep concern to the Indian government and has lodged strong formal protests over such incidents, he said.
“Giving the highest priority to the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests, our government is firmly taking all necessary measures to prevent push-ins along the border,” he said.
Replying to reserved-seat MP Nipun Roy Chowdhury, the state minister said Bangladesh missions abroad are working under specific economic roadmaps to attract foreign direct investment to special economic zones.
Under the government’s medium-term economic strategy, the target is to raise FDI to 2.7 percent of GDP and overall investment to 40 percent by fiscal 2030-31, he said.
Replying to a question from Jamalpur-3 MP Mostafizur Rahman Babul, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said Bangladesh currently operates 86 diplomatic missions in 63 countries.
Responding to Kishoreganj-1 MP Mohammad Mazharul Islam, he said the activities of Bangladesh missions had been weak in many cases under the previous government.
“After the present government assumed office, the missions have been brought under an accountable framework of activities,” he said.
On nuclear power, replying to Kishoreganj-2 MP Md Jalal Uddin, the foreign minister said nuclear power technology is complex, costly and linked to strategic security issues.
He said Bangladesh is moving towards acquiring the capacity to generate nuclear power through the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant being implemented with Russian assistance.
“Unit-1 is expected to begin operations in December this year,” he said.
He said the government is examining the possibility of installing Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology for the peaceful use of nuclear energy and exploring opportunities to strengthen the country’s energy security.
Initial contacts are being made with potential partner countries, although discussions have not yet reached the final stage, he said.
Replying to a question from Jashore-5 MP Gazi Enamul Haque, Humaiun Kobir said information from Bangladesh missions showed that around 10,066 Bangladeshi nationals are currently imprisoned in different countries.
He said Bangladeshi nationals arrested and imprisoned abroad remain subject to the legal processes of the respective countries.
“Our diplomatic efforts have to continue while respecting the legal processes of the countries concerned,” he said.