Sunday, 09 March, 2025
Bangladesh must maintain good relations with both the Arakan Army insurgents and Myanmar's military junta to ensure border security, Home Advisor Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated.
“The country in question is Myanmar, and the border is currently under the control of the Arakan Army. While the future control of the border remains uncertain, the situation right now is stable, and there are no significant issues,” he explained.
Chowdhury made these comments while addressing journalists on Saturday afternoon during the inauguration of a new Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) battalion in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar.
The home advisor attended the flag-hoisting ceremony for the Ukhiya Battalion, Station Headquarters, Guard Police Battalion, and K-9 Unit & Training Centre.
The event, held at the Cox’s Bazar BGB Battalion’s training ground, included a ceremonial flag hoisting, followed by a parade featuring members of the Ukhiya Battalion, Guard Police Battalion, and BGB Dog Squad K-9 Unit.
Later, he spoke to journalists alongside the BGB director general.
Explaining the necessity of the new Ukhiya battalion, the advisor said, “Most drug smuggling happens through this area.The Rohingya issue has also surged significantly.
“That is why this battalion was essential. If more are needed in the future, we will try to establish them to ensure peace in this area and stability at the border,” he said.
Around 60,000 new Rohingya refugees have arrived, he said, adding: “There is a humanitarian aspect to this, but there is also international pressure. That is why we have asked for increased aid and assistance.”
“The Rohingya have been stuck in the camps for a long time. They want to leave, and other countries have promised to take them. However, the number they are accepting is very small. We continue to raise this issue with ambassadors.”
When asked about Bangladeshis being shot dead by India’s Border Security Force, or BSF, the advisor said: “This has been given the highest priority in high-level meetings between BGB and BSF. Yet, incidents continue to occur. We are making efforts to reduce them.”
BGB Director General Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui echoed this concern, saying: “This was a priority issue in our meeting with BSF. We strongly protested in clear terms. Regardless of illegal crossings or other issues, killing cannot be the ultimate solution.
“If such incidents continue, we will take a tougher stance. At the same time, everyone must ensure that no one from our side crosses the border illegally,” he said.
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Bangladesh must maintain good relations with both the Arakan Army insurgents and Myanmar's military junta to ensure border security, Home Advisor Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated.
“The country in question is Myanmar, and the border is currently under the control of the Arakan Army. While the future control of the border remains uncertain, the situation right now is stable, and there are no significant issues,” he explained.
Chowdhury made these comments while addressing journalists on Saturday afternoon during the inauguration of a new Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) battalion in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar.
The home advisor attended the flag-hoisting ceremony for the Ukhiya Battalion, Station Headquarters, Guard Police Battalion, and K-9 Unit & Training Centre.
The event, held at the Cox’s Bazar BGB Battalion’s training ground, included a ceremonial flag hoisting, followed by a parade featuring members of the Ukhiya Battalion, Guard Police Battalion, and BGB Dog Squad K-9 Unit.
Later, he spoke to journalists alongside the BGB director general.
Explaining the necessity of the new Ukhiya battalion, the advisor said, “Most drug smuggling happens through this area.The Rohingya issue has also surged significantly.
“That is why this battalion was essential. If more are needed in the future, we will try to establish them to ensure peace in this area and stability at the border,” he said.
Around 60,000 new Rohingya refugees have arrived, he said, adding: “There is a humanitarian aspect to this, but there is also international pressure. That is why we have asked for increased aid and assistance.”
“The Rohingya have been stuck in the camps for a long time. They want to leave, and other countries have promised to take them. However, the number they are accepting is very small. We continue to raise this issue with ambassadors.”
When asked about Bangladeshis being shot dead by India’s Border Security Force, or BSF, the advisor said: “This has been given the highest priority in high-level meetings between BGB and BSF. Yet, incidents continue to occur. We are making efforts to reduce them.”
BGB Director General Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui echoed this concern, saying: “This was a priority issue in our meeting with BSF. We strongly protested in clear terms. Regardless of illegal crossings or other issues, killing cannot be the ultimate solution.
“If such incidents continue, we will take a tougher stance. At the same time, everyone must ensure that no one from our side crosses the border illegally,” he said.
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