President M Abdul Hamid yesterday directed Bangladesh ambassador to  China Mahbub Uz Zaman to take pragmatic steps to create pressure on Myanmar for the safe and dignified repatriation of forcibly displaced Rohingyas. The head of the state came up with the directive as Bangladesh’s new ambassador to China paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban here this afternoon, President’s press secretary Joynal Abedin told the news agencies.

He put emphasis on strengthening the existing bilateral relations between Bangladesh and China.  “China is one of the development partners of Bangladesh . . . The partnerships between the two countries in commerce, investment and various development sectors are very excellent right now,” the press secretary quoted the president as saying.