Dhaka: Bangladesh has reiterated its position on Rohingya issue and said the affected areas in Myanmar's Rakhine State should be declared as 'safe zones' so that they could go back.

Bangladesh also said implementation of Kofi Annan report should be the next step as Bangladesh has already welcomed it.

Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali met his Japanese counterpart Taro Kono on the sidelines of the 72nd UNGA on Monday and discussed the issues.
Foreign Secretary Md Shahidul Haque was also present, reports news agency UNB.

Mahmood Ali narrated the situation of Rohingyas and stated that more than 400,000 Rohingyas have so far come to Bangladesh since August 25 and more are still coming.

As of now, Bangladesh is hosting over 800,000 Rohingyas.

He stated the history of Rohingyas settlement in Myanmar, which is about 1500 years old.

Mahmood Ali mentioned that Rohingyas have the affinity for Bangla and some other languages such as Pashtu, Arabic, and Portuguese etc. "So they should not be called 'Bengalees' only for the reason that many of them have the affinity for Bangla."

He also briefed the Japanese minister about the existence of Arakan kingdom from the 13th to 18th century, and referred to the 1948 constitution of Myanmar saying 'there are no indigenous people in Myanmar'.

The Japanese Vice Minister would visit Myanmar soon.

On Minister Ali's request to send the Vice Minister to Dhaka, the Japanese Foreign Minister said they would have elections in Japan soon, and the Vice Minister visit Dhaka after elections.

He requested for Japanese support in UNSC if the issue comes for discussion, and mentioned that even in today's (Sept 18) New York Times issue there is a report on Rohingya exodus. "We need our friend to support in UNSC (on Rohingya issue)."

The Japanese Foreign Minister said they will ask Myanmar to implement the Kofi Annan report, and sought Bangladesh's support on North Korea issue.

He said Japan was putting pressure on both diplomatic and financial front.

Minister Ali said Bangladesh had also stopped a ship carrying illegal North Korean cargo two years ago and prohibited it to enter Bangladesh port.

The Japanese Foreign Minister also sought Bangladesh's support for their candidature in ICC (a lady candidate).

On coordination over Rohingya issues at the UNSC, Minister Ali requested the Japanese Foreign Minister to advise their PR in New York to liaise with Bangladesh PR at the UN.