Myanmar seeks to repatriate security personnel via sea route
NEWS DESK
Myanmar has expressed its intention to repatriate members of its armed forces and other security agencies, who have sought refuge in Bangladesh, using naval vessels.
This initiative, set to commence in the coming days, involves personnel from the Myanmar military, the Border Guard Police (BGP), police, and immigration departments.
The decision was discussed during a meeting chaired by Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary, Masud Bin Momen, following a proposal from the Myanmar government.
The issue was also raised in talks between the Bangladeshi ambassador to Myanmar and Myanmar’s Foreign Minister in Naypyidaw.
The meeting, which saw the participation of senior officials from Bangladesh’s Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs, as well as intelligence agencies, aimed to coordinate the repatriation process. Bangladesh’s ambassador to Myanmar, Md. Monwar Hossain, also contributed to the discussions via an online connection.
Authorities disclosed that Bangladesh had previously suggested air transport as a method for repatriating the Myanmar nationals sheltered in Bandarban, instead of using the Naf River route. However, Myanmar has opted for a maritime return, declining the air transport proposal.
A senior official elucidated that the repatriation would occur through the Bay of Bengal, with Myanmar’s naval ships entering Bangladesh’s territorial waters to retrieve their citizens. This operation will adhere to international norms and is expected to be executed promptly within a few days.
Post-discussion, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen briefed the press on the primary focus of the talks, which was centered around the logistics of repatriating 330 Myanmar nationals.
