Prime Minister Tarique Rahman called upon Japan’s Special Envoy for National Reconciliation in Myanmar, Yohei Sasakawa, on Monday to leverage his influence in securing the safe, voluntary, and honorable repatriation of the Rohingya population to their native land.

Sasakawa, who additionally serves as the Chairman of the Nippon Foundation, paid a courtesy visit to the Prime Minister at his office situated inside the Bangladesh Secretariat, according to statements provided by the Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary, Shahadat Shadhin.

During their discussion, the Japanese special envoy noted that he has dedicated nearly five decades to advancing peace and tackling disparities globally, while briefing Tarique on his involvement in Myanmar’s domestic reconciliation initiatives.

Emphasizing the intense strain the Rohingya emergency has imposed on Bangladesh, Sasakawa acknowledged awareness of the situation and detailed Tokyo’s humanitarian aid and financial grants allocated for the displaced community.

PM Tarique Rahman conveyed gratitude to Sasakawa for traveling to Bangladesh and commended his enduring humanitarian endeavors.

Characterizing the Rohingya dilemma as among the nation's most formidable trials, the Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the Japanese government's steadfast support in managing the issue.

“Bangladesh is already a densely populated country. Hosting a huge number of Rohingyas for a prolonged period has created additional pressure on our economy, infrastructure and overall management,” he remarked.

PM stated that Bangladesh stands fully prepared to offer requisite assistance toward the reintegration of the Rohingyas inside Myanmar following their return.

Sasakawa mentioned that he had deliberated the Rohingya matter with Myanmar’s president and maintains confidence that the Myanmar administration is genuine in its intent to settle the dispute.

Nevertheless, he cautioned that the intricate conditions prevailing in Rakhine State imply that headway regarding Rohingya repatriation will require time.

The Prime Minister reiterated that Bangladesh is eager to extend comprehensive collaboration for the repatriation process, noting that their journey back home would unlock prospects for elevating their living standards, including educational and medical access.

Sasakawa pledged to the Prime Minister that he would exert his maximum capabilities to assist in resolving the Rohingya crisis.

Both parties additionally conferred on the necessity of bolstering multilateral frameworks and international partnerships instead of depending exclusively on bilateral channels to achieve a lasting resolution for the Rohingya challenge.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister requested the Japanese envoy's assistance in setting up a vaccine manufacturing facility within Bangladesh.

Sasakawa responded that he would address the proposition with genuine dedication.

PM Tarique added that Bangladesh is enthusiastic about drawing Japanese investments, noting that his administration is actively cultivating a business-accommodating atmosphere across the country.

He also conveyed Bangladesh's willingness to further enhance bilateral ties with Myanmar.

Among those attending the meeting were Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Finance and Planning Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs-1 Humaiun Kobir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs-2 Shama Obaed, and Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Shakirul Islam Khan.