Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday urged Japan’s Special Envoy for National Reconciliation in Myanmar Yōhei Sasakawa to play a role in ensuring the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of Rohingyas to their homeland.

Sasakawa, who is also Chairman of the Nippon Foundation, made a courtesy call on the Prime Minister at his office at the Bangladesh Secretariat, said PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Shadhin.

During the meeting, the Japanese special envoy said he had been working for nearly 50 years to promote peace and address inequality in different parts of the world, and briefed Tarique on his role in Myanmar’s national reconciliation process.

Highlighting the severe pressure the Rohingya crisis has placed on Bangladesh, Sasakawa said he was aware of the situation and outlined Japan’s humanitarian assistance and grants for the Rohingyas.

Tarique Rahman thanked Sasakawa for visiting Bangladesh and appreciated his long-standing humanitarian work.

The Prime Minister described the Rohingya crisis as one of Bangladesh’s biggest challenges, thanking the Japanese government for standing by Bangladesh in addressing it.

“Bangladesh is already a densely populated country. Hosting a huge number of Rohingyas for a prolonged period has created additional pressure on our economy, infrastructure and overall management,” he said.

Tarique said Bangladesh is ready to provide necessary cooperation for the rehabilitation of the Rohingyas in Myanmar after their repatriation.

Sasakawa said he discussed the Rohingya issue with the Myanmar’s president and believes that the Myanmar government is sincere about resolving the crisis.

However, he said the complex situation in Rakhine State meant that progress on Rohingya repatriation would take time.

Tarique said Bangladesh is ready to extend all-out cooperation for the repatriation of Rohingyas, as their return to their homeland would create opportunities to improve their living standards including access to education and healthcare.

Sasakawa assured the Prime Minister that he would make his utmost efforts to help resolve the Rohingya crisis.

The two sides also discussed the need to strengthen multilateral initiatives and international cooperation rather than relying solely on bilateral efforts to find a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis.

The Prime Minister also sought the Japanese envoy’s cooperation in establishing a vaccine production centre in Bangladesh.

Sasakawa said he would work on the matter sincerely.

Tarique also said Bangladesh is keen to attract Japanese investment and  his government is working to ensure an investment-friendly environment in the country.

He also expressed Bangladesh’s interest in further improving bilateral relations with Myanmar.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Finance and Planning Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister-1 for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, State Minister-2 for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed and Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Shakirul Islam Khan were present.