Bangladesh-Myanmar talks on return of Myanmar border guards
DESK REPORT
Bangladesh and Myanmar are in discussions about repatriating members of the Myanmar Border Guard Police (BGP) who have taken refuge in Bangladesh, announced Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud in a recent briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The talks come against a backdrop of intense conflict within Myanmar, where clashes between the BGP and separatist groups have led 95 members of the border force to seek safety in Bangladesh.
“We maintain uninterrupted communication with Myanmar,” Mahmud stated, revealing that Myanmar’s Deputy Foreign Minister had been in contact with the Bangladeshi ambassador earlier that day. “They have expressed their intention to repatriate their citizens, specifically the border guard members who have arrived here,” he continued.
The Foreign Minister elaborated on the ongoing discussions about the logistics of repatriation, indicating that both air and sea routes were being considered. “We are committed to finding a solution,” Mahmud assured.
Addressing potential concerns about the willingness of the BGP members to return, Mahmud clarified, “They are indeed willing to return. If not, why would the government be contacting us? The Myanmar government is keen to take them back.”
He also referenced past incidents where similar cross-border movements had occurred with India, leading to the repatriation of BGP members by air back to Myanmar.
“Our borders are secure,” the Minister emphasized, explaining that shelter was provided to those who fled to Bangladesh.
On the topic of involving a third country in the repatriation process, Mahmud stated, “As the discussions are progressing between our two countries, there is no need to involve a third party at this stage.”
This situation highlights the ongoing strife within Myanmar, particularly across the Tumbru border in Naikhongchhari upazila of Bandarban, which has driven members of the border guard to seek refuge in Bangladesh.
Md. Shariful Islam, the Public Relations Officer at the Headquarters of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), confirmed in a press release that the number of BGP members seeking refuge had risen to 95 by Monday morning, up from an initial count of 68 reported on Sunday night.
The press release also noted that more than 15 of these BGP members had been injured in the conflict, with two in critical condition and receiving treatment at Cox’s Bazar District Headquarters Hospital.
