UK Working for Safe Rohingya Repatriation, British High Commissioner Sarah Cook Says in Tangail
The United Kingdom is working to ensure that Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh can return to their own country safely, with dignity and voluntarily. The country is working closely with the Bangladesh government and international partners so that Rohingyas can return once a suitable environment for repatriation is created in Myanmar.
British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cook made the remarks while talking to journalists on Monday evening (October 19) in Mirzapur, Tangail, before visiting the Durga Puja pavilion at the home of renowned philanthropist Ranada Prasad Saha.
Sarah Cook said the United Kingdom has long been cooperating with Bangladesh in tackling the Rohingya crisis. Over the past nine years, more than 460 million pounds in assistance has been provided for the Rohingyas.
She said the UK stands beside Bangladesh in dealing with this crisis and is working closely with the Bangladesh government. Their goal is to ensure that once a suitable environment is created in Myanmar, Rohingyas can return home safely, with dignity and voluntarily.
On Bangladesh-UK relations, she said the United Kingdom has a very close relationship with the people and government of Bangladesh. A long-standing strong partnership exists between the two countries.
She also said a large number of people of Bangladeshi origin live in the United Kingdom. The two countries are working together on Bangladesh's economic growth, overall development and employment generation.
Expressing satisfaction over the Durga Puja arrangements in Tangail, the British High Commissioner said she was very happy and honoured to attend the Durga Puja celebrations at Kumudini. This was her third visit there.
She said every time, the colourful puja arrangements, music, dance and festive joy have fascinated her. This festival brings people of different communities together, where people of all religions celebrate joy together. She called it a special event.
Earlier, when she reached the Kumudini Complex, the authorities welcomed the British High Commissioner with flowers. She visited the Kumudini Library.
Later, at around 7:30 pm, she left the Kumudini Complex and travelled by boat to the puja pavilion at Ranada Prasad Saha's house. Kumudini Welfare Trust Managing Director Rajib Prasad Saha gave her a warm reception there.
Such statements by international partners on Rohingya repatriation are diplomatically important for Bangladesh. The UK's position, emphasising safe and voluntary repatriation, was made clear once again during this visit.
During the same visit, by touring the festival and praising the atmosphere of harmony, the British High Commissioner also presented Bangladesh's picture of social harmony on the international stage.
