Dhaka is observing the ongoing situation in Myanmar while efforts are underway to commence repatriation of the forcibly displaced Rohingyas in a safe and dignified manner, said foreign ministry here Sunday.
“Bangladesh is observing the ongoing situation in Myanmar. Rohingya repatriation is expected to begin soon when the situation improves in Myanmar,” said foreign ministry’s alternative spokesperson Mohammad Rafiqul Alam at a weekly briefing at the ministry here this afternoon.
Currently, he said a tripartite initiative of Bangladesh-Myanmar-China is underway for voluntary, safe and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas.
Alam said the Rohingyas have been informed of what facilities they will enjoy after return to Rakhine to initiate safe, dignified, sustainable and voluntary repatriation of forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals.
Alam said following the closure of the North Korean mission in Dhaka, Bangladesh’s bilateral affairs with Pyongyang will be managed through the North Korean Embassy in New Delhi.
The spokesperson said the outgoing ambassador of North Korea to Bangladesh had expressed optimism about opening the North Korean embassy in Dhaka again in the future.
The embassy of North Korea in Dhaka has informed the Bangladesh foreign ministry about the closure of its activities in Bangladesh through a diplomatic note.
The decision was made by the North Korean government as part of the improved management and replacement of Korean missions around the world, Alam said.
The official activities of the North Korean embassy in Bangladesh ended with the North Korean ambassador leaving Dhaka along with his three officials in the third week of this month, he said.
Bangladesh Embassy in Beijing, China acts as a means of communication with North Korea, Alam added.
North Korea opened its first embassy in Bangladesh in 1974.
Alam said Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen will lead the Bangladesh delegation at the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial which will be hosted by Ghana in its capital Accra on December 5-6 December.
By participating in the ministerial-level meeting, the Bangladesh delegation will highlight Dhaka’ position on the protection and security of peacekeepers, he said.
The alternative spokesperson said the Bangladesh delegation will also put emphasis on strategic communication to deal with their security risks, mental well-being of peacekeepers, increasing participation of women in peacekeeping operations and protection of civilians.
On the sideline, he said the Bangladesh foreign minister will also hold several bilateral meetings and participate at other events.
