G.A. Viray
MANILA, Philippines. Bangladesh thanked the Philippines for offering asylum to Rohingya and Bangladeshi refugees. Major General John Gomes, Ambassador of Bangladesh to the Philippines, said this “nice gesture” prompted other ASEAN countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia to offer help as well.
According to Kicker Daily News, the people of Bangladesh were very much grateful for the Philippines’ act of kindness. Gomes even stated that they received many phone calls and contacted the Philippine government to express their gratitude.
Although most of the refugees are Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar, some of the refugees were from Bangladesh who wanted to escape poverty. These native Bangladeshis may have been victims of human trafficking.
Please read: Philippines offers refuge to 3,000 “boat people”
Photo Credit: The National
Malaysia and Indonesia offers temporary shelter, but Thailand’s help is limited
International Business Times reports that Malaysia and Indonesia has offered temporary shelter which requires international assistance.
Thailand’s offer of help to he refugees is only limited to the sick ones, and did not give any commitment to allowing migrants to disembark from their boats. Thailand said they will not force the refugee boats back to sea.
Featured image photo credit: The Guardian
