Bangladesh has decided to handle Burma “very softly” in handling for Rohingya issue and would not raise any issues that may displease Burma after declaration of recent Rohingya census in Bangladesh, according to foreign ministry official.
Dhaka has recently made a formal offer for financial assistance and expertise to Burma to assist it in resolving the Rohingya problem, the officials added.
Dhaka has also offered to increase its engagement with Arakan and support for its economic development through import of various agricultural products from the state.
Earlier Bangladesh was trying its engagement with Arakan and support for its economic development through import of various agro-base products from Arakan, but ex-Burmese government did not show its interest.
To remove irritants, Bangladesh last month advised that Myanmar should not register Rohingya Muslims in their country as Bengalis or term them “illegal migrants from Bangladesh,” according to foreign ministry.
Bangladesh has taken a fresh move to build good relations with Burma and decided sending a special envoy to Nay Pyi Taw, soon, the foreign ministry official said.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is sending Foreign Secretary Md Shahidul Haque as her special envoy to Burma at the end of this month, according to diplomatic source.
The visit also aims at giving a signal to remove misunderstanding and gap between the two countries.
Bangladesh has already proposed through diplomatic channels to work with Burma in areas of climate change, energy, agriculture, education and increase border trade and tourism.
According to Dhaka officials, Bangladesh has expressed its readiness to allow Burmese vessels use its inland ports as both countries have already marked - Chittagong, Mongla, Narayanganj and Teknaf ports in Bangladesh and Yangon, Pathein, Sittwe and Maungtaw ports in Myanmar - for mutual use.
The two countries have re-established Dhaka-Yangon air connectivity and are now working on road and marine connectivity.