Japan wants dignified return of forcibly displaced Rohingyas, now sheltered in Bangladesh, to their homeland, Myanmar.
Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Masahiro Komura made the statement on Sunday when he called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence, Ganabhaban.
PM’s press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed the reporters after the call on.
He said that Japan also wants to assist local Bangladeshi people who are facing numerous difficulties due to the influx of Myanmar Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar.
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The premier thanked Japan for continued efforts towards a durable solution to the safe, sustainable and dignified return of the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals, said the press secretary.
Hasina also highly appreciated the Japanese government’s contribution and assistance for the development of Bangladesh’s various sectors.
In this regard, she mentioned implementation of a number of mega projects like Matarbari Power Plant, Third Terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and Dhaka Metro Rail projects which were being implemented by the Japanese assistance.
Masahiro said that the newly constructed third terminal would contribute a lot to Bangladesh’s graduation to a developing country.
In this context, he assured that Tokyo would continue to assist the economic development of Bangladesh under Big-B Cooperation.
He mentioned that the Matarbari Power Plant and Deep Sea Port being constructed under Japanese cooperation will play a significant role for the development of Bangladesh as well as for North-Eastern India.
The Japanese vice minister put emphasis on the people to people contact and said, direct air link has been restored between Dhaka and Narita to this end.
During the meeting, the prime minister said that her government has given an Economic Zone to Japan at Mirsharai in Chattogram where Japanese entrepreneurs are investing for mutual benefits.
She recalled her official visit to Japan in April last and said, the visit elevated the bilateral ties between Dhaka and Tokyo to a strategic partnership.
Recalling the visit of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to Japan in 1973, Sheikh Hasina said, it laid the foundation of the friendship between the two countries.
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In this connection, she mentioned that the dream of the Father of the Nation was to transform agro-based Bangladesh into an industrial economy.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and PMO Secretary Mohammad Salahuddin were present during the meeting.