Dhaka, Nov 11 (V7N)- President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called on the United Kingdom and the international community to take more effective initiatives to ensure the safe repatriation of Rohingya refugees sheltered in Bangladesh and protect vulnerable women and children.
He made the call when Sophie Helen Jones, Duchess of Edinburgh and a member of the British royal family, paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban on Wednesday (November 11) during her visit to Bangladesh.
During the meeting, the President said the Duchess's visit carried a message of hope for Myanmar's Rohingya population, particularly women and children facing an uncertain future.
He expressed hope that her visit to the Rohingya camps would help draw greater international attention to the humanitarian crisis.
The President said the prolonged Rohingya crisis was placing immense pressure on Bangladesh's socio-economic and environmental conditions, particularly given the country's high population density, while also raising concerns about regional security.
He stressed the need for stronger international engagement to create conditions for the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees, alongside continued humanitarian assistance and protection for women and children.
President Fakhrul welcomed the Duchess to Bangladesh and praised her longstanding contributions to women's dignity and empowerment, eye health and the development of young people.
Referring to the longstanding friendly relations between Bangladesh and the UK, he said Bangladesh remained committed to strengthening bilateral ties based on mutual respect and shared interests.
The two sides also discussed increasing British investment in Bangladesh, improving the education system and expanding women's participation in the country's sports sector.
During the meeting, the Duchess shared her experiences of visiting several institutions during her three-day trip, including the Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar, the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP) and the Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operations Training (BIPSOT).
She praised Bangladesh's progress in women's development and empowerment, as well as women's contributions to the country's economic growth.
The President expressed hope that the Duchess's visit would further strengthen the existing friendship and cooperation between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom.
Senior officials from the President's Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with the British High Commissioner and members of the Duchess's delegation, were present at the meeting.
END/SMA/AJ
