Three Bangladeshis from Rakhine Mission arrive in Yangon amid security concerns
NEWS DESK
Three of the ten Bangladeshis employed at the Bangladesh Mission in Sittwe, Rakhine, have safely arrived in Yangon as of Sunday (February 11), with the remaining seven expected to follow by Tuesday (February 13), according to official sources.
A Ministry of Foreign Affairs official cited security concerns as the reason for the relocation, saying, “For their safety, the Bangladeshis have been moved to Yangon and will be returned to their positions once conditions allow.”
The official further noted that local staff at the mission are staying put, with formal requests made to Myanmar authorities to ensure their protection amid the ongoing conflict between Myanmar forces and the Arakan Army in Rakhine, which has necessitated the relocation of personnel from other foreign missions and the United Nations.
Flight constraints have posed challenges in the relocation process. “Securing tickets for the sole daily flight from Sittwe to Yangon has been particularly difficult, necessitating significant efforts to arrange transport,” another official disclosed.
In a related development, Bangladesh plans to repatriate 330 members of the Myanmar forces who had fled to Bangladesh, within the week. This decision followed a cross-ministry meeting held on Sunday, chaired by the Foreign Secretary.
Officials reported that a Myanmar warship is poised near the Bangladesh coast to facilitate the repatriation, awaiting permission to proceed. “The ship will collect the personnel from the outer anchorage, as it cannot dock at the Cox’s Bazar jetty. Small trawlers or boats will transport the Myanmar nationals to the ship,” an official elaborated.
“The entire repatriation process is expected to conclude within the week. Most individuals are currently in Teknaf, with a few injured receiving medical care in Chittagong, who will also be moved to Cox’s Bazar once arrangements are finalized,” the official added.
