Dhaka: A number of US senators sent a thank you letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina praising her for the efforts to protect most vulnerable individuals fleeing atrocities in Myanmar.

In the letter, the senators say, ‘We want to thank you for your strong leadership and compassion in keeping Bangladesh’s border open and providing assistance to more than half a million Rohingya refugees fleeing horrific violence in Burma.’

Mentioning Bangladesh government’s extraordinary generosity in ensuring safety and shelter for the Rohingyas, the senators said it is a beacon of hope as the world watches this crisis unfold.

The thank you letter reads, ‘Your remarks before the United Nations General Assembly on September 22, 2017, urging a cessation of the violence in Burma and support for the full implementation of Kofi Annan Commission report recommendations were especially welcome.

It says despite of challenges Bangladesh has been a shining example for all countries in supporting fleeing civilians in desperate need of aid.

The senator also commend Bangladesh government’s decision to work with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) to register new arrivals and provide them with biometric identity cards, which will speed efforts to reach those in need of assistance.

‘In the challenging period ahead, we believe it is vital that your government continue its critical work with international agencies, including UNHCR, which should be the lead agency in this effort, as well as the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), and their non-governmental partner,’ hoped the senators.

The US senators also said they are strongly committed to assisting the government of Bangladesh as you face this difficult and complex challenge.