Dhaka: Visiting Singaporean Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan on Sunday underscored the need for speedy repatriation of Rohingya people from Bangladesh.

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan came up with the view when she met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Ganobhaban on Sunday morning, reports the UNB.

After the meeting, Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters.

Dr Balakrishnan said Singapore wants to see quick repatriation of the Rohingya people from Bangladesh as their prolonged stay could lead them to terrorism.

The Singaporean minister appreciated the move to start the repatriation process of the Rohingyas and put emphasis on ensuring security after their return to their homeland.

Dr Balakrishnan informed the Prime Minister that the Myanmar government has invited the Asean countries to visit Rakhaine State to see the condition of Rohingyas there.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister again termed the influx of over 11 lakh Rohingyas into Bangladesh as a big burden for the country.

She mentioned that the Rohingya people, particularly women and children, have become victims of atrocities in Myanmar and Bangladesh has given shelter to them on humanitarian ground.

In this regard, Sheikh Hasina praised the international community for their assistance in rehabilitation of the Rohingya people.

Mentioning that her government has allocated lands for Singaporean investors in special economic zones, the Prime Minister urged the Singaporean entrepreneurs to make investment in a larger volume in the zones.

Hasina also called upon the Singapore government to dredge rivers in Bangladesh and take back the sands free of cost.

Principal Coordinator on SDG Affairs Abul Kalam Azad, PMO Secretary Sajjadul Hassan, Bangladesh High Commissioner to Singapore Mostafizur Rahman and Singapore High Commissioner in Dhaka Derek Loh Eu-Tse were present on the occasion.