Japan's support sought for Rohingya repatriation: Planning minister
Bangladesh has sought Japan's cooperation to send back Rohingyas from Cox's Bazar and Noakhali's Bhashan Char refugee camps to their homeland in Myanmar.
"They [Japan] have good relations with Myanmar. We have sought their assistance in the safe repatriation of 12 lakh Rohingyas residing in Bangladesh," Planning Minister MA Mannan said, terming Japan a good friend of Bangladesh, after a meeting with a visiting Japanese delegation of parliament members at his office today.
He added that Japan is cooperating in the construction of the metro rail and 3rd terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
"The members of the delegation said that Japan will continue its support in other sectors of Bangladesh, including railways, in the future," the minister further said.
Responding to a question from journalists, a member of the Japanese team said that they will visit the Rohingya camps today, and thereafter, necessary steps will be taken after analysing the humanitarian support.
The delegation will also hold discussions with the Japanese business representatives here.
At the meeting, they emphasised strengthening the business ties between Bangladesh and Japan, improving the investment environment of Bangladesh, including digitisation and social safety.
The Japanese delegation consists of Nakanishi Yusuke, director of the Committee on General Affairs, House of Councillors; Imai Eriko, director of the Committee on Education, Culture and Science, Miura Nobuhiro, chairman of the Special Committee on Disasters, House of Councillors; Minagawa Kenichi, chief researcher, Research Office of the Standing Committee on General Affairs; House of Councillors, and Nishio Masumi, assistant director, Second Division, Committees Department, House of Councillors of the Government of Japan.