Md Touhid Hossain is attending an emergency meeting in Bangkok today to discuss the situation in Myanmar with foreign ministers from several regional nations. The talks will focus on the welfare of the Rohingya refugees and address border issues and rising crime. The discussions come in the wake of increased violence in Myanmar, leading to a surge of refugees into Bangladesh.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain is attending an emergency meeting in Bangkok today, convened by the Thai government, where he will engage with regional counterparts regarding the pressing situation in Myanmar. The session comprises foreign ministers and senior officials representing Bangladesh, Myanmar, India, China, Laos, and Cambodia, and is poised to address critical issues including border concerns, crime, and the ongoing crisis in Myanmar. “This discussion will be somewhat different from formal negotiations. There are three main topics: borders, crime, and the situation in Myanmar,” Mr. Touhid remarked prior to his departure from Dhaka.
The primary focus of the discussions will be the welfare and rights of the approximately 1.3 million Rohingya refugees currently residing in Bangladesh and the imperative for their safe and dignified return to their homeland. Mr. Touhid acknowledged the complexity of the situation, stating, “We understand this is not a problem that can be solved overnight, but we need a practical solution.” The Thai Foreign Minister, Maris Sangiampongsa, will facilitate two regional meetings addressing the Myanmar issue this week, with one expected to include representatives from Myanmar’s military-led government.
This week’s informal talks were initially proposed by Thailand and are intended to engage neighboring countries, namely Myanmar, China, India, Bangladesh, Laos, and Thailand. As of now, the participation of a Myanmar foreign minister remains uncertain amidst the ongoing crisis spawned by the military coup in 2021, which has led to intensified conflict and resistance from various rebel factions, especially in border regions. Reports indicate that large parts of Rakhine State are under the control of the Arakan Army, which presents significant challenges to governance and stability along Bangladesh’s extensive border with Myanmar.
During a recent visit to Egypt, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus shed light on the worsening conditions in Myanmar, noting that over 80,000 Rohingyas have sought refuge in Bangladesh in recent months due to increasing violence in Rakhine State, underscoring the urgency of the discussions in Bangkok. The meetings hold significant potential for collaborative efforts to address these pressing humanitarian concerns and foster regional stability.
The emergency meeting stems from the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, exacerbated by the military coup in 2021 that has led to violent conflict and widespread unrest. The resulting humanitarian scenario has seen a significant influx of Rohingya refugees into Bangladesh, which now houses approximately 1.3 million displaced individuals. The meetings organized in Bangkok aim to facilitate cross-border dialogue among neighboring nations to address pressing issues and develop strategies towards stability and cooperative solutions in the region.
The emergency meeting in Bangkok serves as a pivotal platform for regional cooperation concerning the dire situation in Myanmar and the welfare of the Rohingya refugees. With key nations participating, the discussions emphasize the importance of addressing border security, crime, and the humanitarian crisis resulting from escalating violence in Rakhine State. The collaborative approach may lead to practical solutions for the safe repatriation of Rohingya refugees and greater regional stability.
Original Source: www.bssnews.net
