Dhaka: President Abdul Hamid on Thursday urged the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to mount pressure on the Myanmar government to take back Rohingya Muslims from Bangladesh.

The President made the call when OIC Secretary General Dr Yousef A Al-Othaimeen met him at Bangabhaban in the afternoon, reports UNB.

President’s Press Secretary Joynal Abedin briefed reporters after the meeting.

Seeking OIC’s cooperation in resolving the long-pending Rohingya problem with Myanmar, the President said Bangladesh wants peaceful repatriation of the Rohingya Muslims from Bangladesh.

Describing Bangladesh as a liberal Muslim country where communal harmony is its tradition, he said the country is always ready to provide all-out cooperation to the overall development of the Muslim Ummah.

Mentioning the longstanding Palestinian crisis, Hamid urged the Muslim Ummah to take an integrated move to resolve the crisis and the recent Al-Aqsa Mosque problem with Israel.

Lauding Bangladesh for its women empowerment, the OIC Secretary General said the country is moving towards tremendous development, which will be an example for other Muslim countries.

He informed the President that the OIC is taking necessary steps so that the Muslim countries can take the lead by ensuring the development of ICT and science.

‘Islam always believes in peace and welfare. There’s no space of militancy and terrorism in Islam,’ Othaimeen said recognising Bangladesh’s contribution to establishing global peace.

Secretaries concerned to the President were present on the occasion.

Earlier on his arrival at Bangabhaban, President Hamid welcomed the OIC Secretary General.