DHAKA, 13 August 2021, (TON): A parliamentary body strongly opposed the World Bank's reform proposals, including the inclusion of Rohingya refugees in the host country.

The parliamentary standing committee on foreign affairs ministry has asked the ministry concerned to be vigilant in this regard, citing the proposal as an intention to allow Myanmar's displaced Rohingyas to settle permanently in Bangladesh.

The meeting was held in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.

Muhammad Faruk Khan, chief of the parliamentary body, said "we have told the ministry that the World Bank wants to make permanent arrangements for the Rohingyas by making such proposals. All these proposals for the settlement of Rohingyas cannot be accepted. We have clearly opposed it. We have said very strongly that we should not fall into the trap of the World Bank."

He said "we have also told the foreign ministry that statement in this regard will be clear that we have given them temporary shelter. You [World Bank] should make arrangements for their return to Myanmar. We will not accept such proposals to construct buildings for them and giving them opportunities for work and to buy land."

He added “they have told the foreign ministry that their first agenda while discussion with the World Bank will be how to send Rohingyas back to Myanmar.”