Don't expect anything from US: Sheikh Hasina on Rohingya crisis

Bangladesh PM says that if her country can feed 160 million of its own people, it can feed another 500,000 on humanitarian grounds.

NEW DELHI: Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday refused to ask United States to help with the ongoing Rohingya crisis. In an interview, Hasina said that if her country can feed 160 million of its own people, it can also take care of another 500,000. 

According to the United Nations, close to 390,000 Rohingyas have fled to Bangladesh after fleeing a military crackdown launched by Myanmar's military. While the international community has largely condemned the alleged human rights violation in the country, Hasina says US President Donald Trump has already made his position on the matter clear. "America (United States) has already declared it won't allow any refugees. He (Trump) has already declared his mind. If he does not feel these people are distressed, that they need assistance, then I cannot ask for assistance," said the 69-year-old leader, adding that she briefly met the US President at the UN headquarters but that only polite greetings were exchanged.

Back home, Hasina's Bangladesh has borne the brunt of Rohingya exodus. Although measures like building 14,000 shelters, taking care of orphans of the community etc are underway, local rights activists have said the relief management is chaotic at best.

Hasina did admit that the task at hand for Bangladesh is tough but that her country is ready to continue assisting members of the Rohingya community. "Bangladesh is not a rich country. We have 160 million people in a small geographical land. But if we can feed 160 million people, then we can (also) share our food with another 500,000 to 700,000. We are ready to do it and our people are already doing it," she said.

Hasina said that her country is helping the displaced people on humanitarian ground but that the international community should make Myanmar take back the refugees. "We have received support from the international community. They have condemned actions of Myanmar and their military. But the international community should make Mayanmar take back the refugees because they are their people."

The Bangladesh PM however refused to openly criticise Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi although the Nobel laureate has been receiving a lot of flak for failing to recognise - and address - the problem in her country. "She is the leader of a nascent democracy. But still the military has the power. So, I don't know how much she can act," she said, adding that Suu Kyi should at least agree that Rohingyas are people from Myanmar.