Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States M Shahidul Islam has said the USA can persuade its friends in ASEAN and QUAD to distance themselves from the Myanmar military forces so that they refrain from culpability in the genocide.  He sought more support from the USA in resolving the Rohingya crisis with mounting pressure on Myanmar.  "Bangladesh believes that the United States can do more to mobilize international pressure on Myanmar to end the Rohingya crisis," said the Bangladesh envoy while addressing a webinar.  Read:Myanmar skips ASEAN summit to protest general's exclusion The United States may bring the Rohingya issue on the G-7 Summit agenda to show the strong resolve of the international community for a solution to the Rohingya crisis, said the Ambassador.  Atlantic Council, a leading think tank based in Washington DC, in partnership with Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC, hosted the webinar titled “A new Bhashan Char agreement: What now for the Rohingya in Bangladesh” on Wednesday night.  Atlantic Council’s South Asia Centre featured Ambassador Shahidul Islam, who delivered keynote speech on the theme of the event and participated in a question-and-answer session.  Senior Director of Atlantic Council’s South Asia Centre Irfan Nooruddin gave an introductory remark while non-resident senior fellow Rudabeh Shahid moderated the event. The United States may cancel all types of preferential treatment, including GSP facilities enjoyed by Myanmar, said the envoy. 

Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States M Shahidul Islam has urged the United States to lead the international community to find a durable solution to the long-standing Rohingya crisis before it becomes a security threat for the entire Indo-Pacific Region. He expressed deep appreciation for the sustained humanitarian assistance and political support of the United States to the persecuted Rohingya population of Myanmar. Read Rohingya repatriation: Bangladesh seeks Sri Lanka’s support The Ambassador was addressing a function celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Independence and National Day of Bangladesh. The Embassy of Bangladesh in Washington DC celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Independence and National Day of Bangladesh with due respect and enthusiasm. At the beginning of the day's programme, Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States M Shahidul Islam, along with the guest of honour, State Department's Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs, Ervin Massinga, officially hoisted the national flag of Bangladesh. Also read: Let Rohingya children live as full members of society: Unicef Later, the Ambassador and the guest of honour placed a floral wreath at the bust of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. After playing of the national anthems of Bangladesh and the United States, a video message by the Prime Minister Shaikh Hasina was screened. Ambassador Shahidul Islam paid deep homage to the architect of independent Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and to the valiant freedom fighters who laid down their lives for the cause of Independence. Also read: Dhaka seeks global community's constructive role in early Rohingya repatriation Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Ervin Massinga extended greeting to the government and the people of Bangladesh. He said the USA sees Bangladesh as an important economic and security partner in the Indo Pacific. “Bangladesh has established itself as a leading voice on how climate change solutions must protect the most vulnerable. This leadership will contribute to a successful COP26," Ervin Massinga said. Read 1,800 more Rohingyas moved to Bhasan Char In the second part of the programme, the messages from President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam were read out. The day’s programme ended with a pleasant cultural program participated by the members of the Embassy family. On this auspicious occasion, the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken issued a press statement congratulating the people of Bangladesh. Read Rohingya-Relocation 5th phase relocation: 1070 Rohingyas sail for Bhashanchar “As we work together towards a safe and secure region and a healthy and prosperous future, we recognise the remarkable contributions Bangladesh has made to global development,” Blinken said in the statement.  Earlier, US President Joe Biden sent a congratulatory message to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Read Rohingya Camp Fire: Australia announces additional $10mn for affected people Biden said that Bangladesh’s hosting of one million Rohingyas is an example to the world of humanity and generosity. He also said the United States would continue to be a steadfast partner in finding a durable solution to the crisis. Read Japan to work towards early repatriation of Rohingyas: Envoy