Princess Sophie concerned over Rohingya influx

1804

DHAKA, Nov 19, 2017 (BSS) – Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Princess Sophie Helen of the UK expressed their concern over the continued flow of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar into Bangladesh.

They expressed the concern when visiting Countess of Wessex Princess Sophie made a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her Gonobhaban residence here today.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, PM’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim said they laid importance on continuation of the international pressure on Myanmar and mounting diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.

UK wants repatriation of Rohingyas, the princess told the Prime Minister.

The prime minister said the entire administration, police, army and volunteers are working hard to mitigate the sufferings of the refugees. She thanked the British government for sending relief materials for the refugees.

Countess of Wessex, also a social worker, informed the Prime Minister of the vision of “removing avoidable blindness” by 2020.

Later, the princess will go to Barisal, Dhaka, Chittagong to visit the eye hospitals there, she told the Prime Minister.

The premier informed the princess of the healthcare services extended across the country by her government. She said the Awami League government had taken the project when it came to power in 1996. But the next BNP government shelved the project after taking office in 2001.

After assuming office the Awami League government resumed the project and constructed about 18,000 community clinics from where people at the grassroots are now getting health services.

Princess Helen also inquired about the health of the Prime Minister and her personal wellbeing, the press secretary said.

PM’s advisor Dr Gowher Rizvi, Principal Secretary Dr Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury and British High Commissioner in Dhaka Alison Blake were present.