Irish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Simon Coveney has lauded Bangladesh for its “extraordinary generosity” over the Rohingya issue.
“Bangladesh has shown an extraordinary generosity in hosting a huge number of persecuted Rohingyas from Myanmar,” he said during a courtesy phone call with his Bangladesh counterpart Dr AK Abdul Momen.
The foreign ministry on Wednesday said the Irish minister highly lauded Bangladesh’s humane gesture in hosting 1.1 million persecuted Rohingyas from Myanmar.
“Bangladesh has played a very significant role in extending temporary shelter to this huge number of Rohingyas, a number almost equivalent to a quarter of the population of Ireland,” he added.
Dr Momen thanked his Irish counterpart for their continued support on Rohingya issue, but expressed “deep concern” that there was no progress in repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar.
He informed Coveney that till to date Myanmar had not taken a single Rohingyas back.
He urged EU countries to exert more pressure on Myanmar so that it takes its nationals back.
“The situation has become untenable for us,” he added.
“EU countries should step forward and share the responsibility,” he continued.
The Foreign Minister hoped that if elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Ireland will play a more robust role in the Council.
The Irish Deputy Prime Minister assured Ireland’s continued support and active engagement in this regard.
The Irish Minister applauded the leadership role of Bangladesh in UN Peacekeeping and expressed willingness to work jointly in this area.
Dr Momen informed his counterpart about the availability of a huge pool of IT experts (600,000) whose expertise could be used by Ireland.
He also requested the Irish government to ease and facilitate visa procedures for Bangladesh nationals.
Dr Momen expressed “concern” that amid COVID19, many foreign buyers are dishonoring their contracts.
“Such irresponsible behavior by foreign companies is adversely affecting 4 million RMG workers in Bangladesh most of whom are women,” he said, requesting Irish companies to honour their contract.