Bangladesh has expressed "deep concern" over the recent influx of more than 40,000 Myanmar nationals fleeing conflict into the country, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said on Wednesday. The concern was raised during a meeting between Hossain and Myanmar’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Kyaw Soe Moe, who made his maiden visit to the Foreign Adviser’s office, UNB reported.

Hossain emphasized the importance of regional stability for both nations and reiterated the urgent need for the safe and sustainable repatriation of the displaced Rohingya population. The two sides discussed a range of bilateral issues, with a primary focus on addressing the Rohingya crisis.

Ambassador Kyaw Soe Moe acknowledged the challenges posed by the conflict, noting that the repatriation efforts had been delayed due to the collapse of a ceasefire with the Arakan Army in November 2023.

The foreign adviser expressed hope that the Myanmar government would engage in meaningful dialogue to address the situation, stressing security concerns at the volatile border, including a rise in human trafficking.

Hossain reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to strengthening regional cooperation with Southeast Asian countries, urging Myanmar to support Bangladesh's bid for ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue status. They also discussed enhancing bilateral trade, boosting people-to-people contacts, and resuming direct flights between Dhaka and Yangon, as well as finalizing a coastal shipping agreement under negotiation.

Ambassador Kyaw Soe Moe expressed gratitude for Bangladesh's humanitarian assistance to Myanmar troops who recently crossed into Bangladesh during the Rakhine conflict, and for facilitating their safe repatriation.

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