DHAKA, Dec 3, 2023 (BSS) - Dhaka is observing the ongoing situation in 
Myanmar while efforts are underway to commence repatriation of the forcibly 
displaced Rohingyas in a safe and dignified manner, said foreign ministry 
here today. 

"Bangladesh is observing the ongoing situation in Myanmar. Rohingya 
repatriation is expected to begin soon when the situation improves in 
Myanmar," said foreign ministry's alternative spokesperson Mohammad Rafiqul 
Alam at a weekly briefing at the ministry here this afternoon. 

Currently, he said a tripartite initiative of Bangladesh-Myanmar-China is 
underway for voluntary, safe and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas. 

Alam said the Rohingyas have been informed of what facilities they will enjoy 
after return to Rakhine to initiate safe, dignified, sustainable and 
voluntary repatriation of forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals. 

CLOSURE OF NORTH KOREAN MISSION 

Alam said following the closure of the North Korean mission in Dhaka, 
Bangladesh's bilateral affairs with Pyongyang will be managed through the 
North Korean Embassy in New Delhi. 

The spokesperson said the outgoing ambassador of North Korea to Bangladesh 
had expressed optimism about opening the North Korean embassy in Dhaka again 
in the future.

The embassy of North Korea in Dhaka has informed the Bangladesh foreign 
ministry about the closure of its activities in Bangladesh through a 
diplomatic note.

The decision was made by the North Korean government as part of the improved 
management and replacement of Korean missions around the world, Alam said. 

The official activities of the North Korean embassy in Bangladesh ended with 
the North Korean ambassador leaving Dhaka along with his three officials in 
the third week of this month, he said.

Bangladesh Embassy in Beijing, China acts as a means of communication with 
North Korea, Alam added. 

North Korea opened its first embassy in Bangladesh in 1974. 

UN PEACEKEEPING MINISTERIAL MEETING 

Alam said Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen will lead the Bangladesh 
delegation at the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial which will be hosted by Ghana 
in its capital Accra on December 5-6 December.

By participating in the ministerial-level meeting, the Bangladesh delegation 
will highlight Dhaka' position on the protection and security of 
peacekeepers, he said. 

The alternative spokesperson said the Bangladesh delegation will also put 
emphasis on strategic communication to deal with their security risks, mental 
well-being of peacekeepers, increasing participation of women in peacekeeping 
operations and protection of civilians

On the sideline, he said the Bangladesh foreign minister will also hold 
several bilateral meetings and participate at other events.