He made the request during his interaction with the US Think Tank ‘Newlines Institute on Strategy and Policy’ on Friday.
Foreign Minister Dr Momen is currently visiting Washington DC to reach out the new US administration to further enhance the bilateral relations and convey Bangladesh’s willingness to work closely with the Biden’s administration.
Director of the Institute Dr. Azeem Ibrahim moderated the event.
During the discussion, Dr Momen reiterated that the only durable solution is the repatriation for the persecuted 1.1 million Rohingyas temporarily sheltered in Bangladesh.
Among others, dignitaries, including former US Ambassador to the United Nations, Commissioner from the US Congress on Religious Freedom, and prominent journalists, Members of Congress, State Department officials, UN personnel, and senior leadership of the OIC attended the event, both physically and online.
The event was live-streamed on YouTube.
Also read: Dhaka seeks global community's constructive role in early Rohingya repatriation
During the question-answer session with the audience, Dr Momen briefed on how the Bangladesh government is working for the welfare of Rohingyas during the Covid-19 pandemic, as a result of which there was not a single case of death due to the Covid-19 in Rohingya camps.
He also explained the context and rationale of relocating some of the Rohingya population from the overcrowded Kutupalong camps to Bhashan Char.
Dr Momen hoped that the Biden administration would put more political and economic sanctions on Myanmar to create a conducive environment for safe and dignified return of the Rohingyas to their homeland Myanmar.
He noted that the Bangladesh government looks forward to the US government’s concrete steps and leading role, including his proposal to appoint a Special Envoy on Rohingya, in achieving a sustainable solution of this Rohingya crisis, and hoped to work closely with the US administration in this regard.
Also read: South, Southeast Asian govts urged to rescue Rohingyas stranded at sea
Later, the Foreign Minister attended a virtual event entitled “Bangladesh-US bilateral relations and Rohingya issue”, organised by the prestigious Council on Foreign Relations (CFR).
The session was moderated by Ambassador Isobel Coleman.
At the session, Dr Momen highlighted the socio-economic development of Bangladesh, tackling of the Covid-19 pandemic and efficient management of the ongoing vaccination program in Bangladesh under the judicious direction of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Referring to his recent discussion with the US Secretary of State, he expressed satisfaction on the existing bilateral partnership between the two countries and hoped to enhance it further towards a strategic level.
On the Rohingya issue, he reiterated his appeal to the US administration to appoint a Special Envoy on Rohingyas who will focus on it and coordinate efforts for their repatriation.
Also read: South, Southeast Asian govts urged to rescue Rohingyas stranded at sea
On the same day, the Bangladesh Foreign Minister virtually met US Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky from Illinois, who appreciated Bangladesh for sheltering a huge number of Rohingyas.
Dr Momen thanked the US government for its humanitarian and political support to Bangladesh to cope with the Rohingya exodus.
He also requested for US lawmaker’s support to influence the US government for taking more effective measures like imposing economic sanction and withdrawing GSP facilities of Myanmar.
Also read: Govts must assist Rohingyas stranded at sea: Amnesty International
Both sides agreed to have a deeper and wider engagement in the days ahead.
Dr Momen also had a telephonic discussion with a high official of the Department of State as a follow up of his earlier discussion with US Secretary of State on last Tuesday.