Dhaka, October 23: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka last evening and discussed the situation arising out of the influx of Rohingyas from Rakhine State of Myanmar and need for an early and lasting solution. Swaraj, is on a 2-day visit to Dhaka and attended the 4th Bangladesh-India Joint Consultative Commission (JCC) meeting.
“It is clear that normalcy will only be restored with the return of the displaced persons to Rakhine state. In our view, the only long term solution to the situation in Rakhine State is rapid socio-economic and infrastructure development that would have a positive impact on all the communities living in the State.”
EAM Swaraj apprised PM Hasina of the productive discussions at the Joint Consultative Commission and tangible progress made since her visit to India. This is the Indian EAM's second visit to Bangladesh, having visited the country last in 2014.
Also, the two countries inked two MOUs - one is a 15-year deal between India's Numaligarh Refinery Ltd and Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation for the supply of high speed diesel once the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline between Siliguri and Parbatipur in Bangladesh is completed.