Bangladesh is under "no obligation" to shelter 81 Rohingya Muslim refugees adrift for almost two weeks on the Andaman Sea and being assisted by neighbouring India, said Bangladesh foreign minister A.K. But Momen told Reuters late on Friday that Bangladesh expects India, the closest country, or Myanmar, the Rohingyas' country of origin, to accept them. India's foreign ministry did not respond to requests for comment on whether it would accept the refugees onto Indian soil. Traffickers often lure Rohingya refugees with promises of work in Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia. UNHCR officials were not immediately reachable for comment.

Source: Mint February 27, 2021 15:22 UTC