Bangladesh and The Gambia signed a visa exemption agreement for diplomatic passport holders, reaffirming their support for the Rohingya issue. Dr. Mamadou Tangara emphasized The Gambia’s commitment to advocating for the Rohingya at the ICJ and highlighted the need for continuous international pressure and cooperation. Both countries aim to enhance partnerships in agriculture and peacekeeping, emphasizing broader collaboration for future challenges.
Bangladesh and The Gambia have formalized a visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic and official passports, strengthening their bilateral relations. The signing occurred at the Secretariat and emphasized The Gambia’s robust support for Bangladesh regarding the Rohingya crisis. Dr. Mamadou Tangara, The Gambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, acknowledged Bangladesh’s hospitality and reiterated The Gambia’s advocacy for the Rohingya people, aiming for their dignified return to their homeland.
Tangara, who chairs the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), stated The Gambia’s commitment to championing the Rohingya cause at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). He emphasized that accountability for perpetrators is critical, but so is ensuring a peaceful future for the Rohingya. He commended Bangladesh for hosting over a million Rohingya refugees, assuring ongoing legal and diplomatic support to uphold international justice efforts.
In a recent meeting at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS), Tangara discussed the need for the Rohingya issue to remain a global focus. He highlighted potential collaborations in agriculture and peacekeeping, praising Bangladesh’s achievements in food self-sufficiency and expressing interest in joint operations due to both nations’ climate vulnerabilities.
Home Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury expressed gratitude for The Gambia’s support in the quest for Rohingya justice at the ICJ. He asserted the necessity for ongoing international collaboration, emphasizing that the Rohingya situation is not merely a regional crisis, but a global humanitarian challenge requiring robust international aid.
Chowdhury also touted the potential for expanded cooperation between the two nations, particularly in trade and agriculture. The successful agreement fosters greater diplomatic engagement and presents opportunities in sectors like garment production, food processing, information technology services, and pharmaceuticals, strengthening resilience against climate challenges.
The signing ceremony concluded with both nations reaffirming their solidarity in advocating for the Rohingya and enhancing diplomatic and economic ties in the future.
The recent visa exemption agreement between Bangladesh and The Gambia signifies a substantial step forward in bilateral relations, particularly concerning shared commitments toward advocating for the Rohingya population. Both nations highlighted the importance of international collaboration not only for humanitarian assistance but also for cooperation in agriculture and peacekeeping efforts. Their collective resolve to champion justice for the Rohingya marks a unified approach toward addressing this global humanitarian crisis.
Original Source: www.thedailystar.net
