Border tensions: Myanmar’s BGP expresses regret
Momen tells parliament it’s all due to Myanmar infighting
Myanmar's Border Guard Police (BGP) at a flag meeting with Border Guard Bangladesh has expressed sincere regret for all the recent incidents that took place in the Bangladesh-Myanmar border areas.
Lt Col Sheikh Khalid Mohammad Iftekhar, commanding officer of BGB-2 Battalion, said this after the meeting.
Called to discuss the recent border incidents, the meeting was held at the BGB-2 Battalion office in Cox's Bazar's Teknaf upazila yesterday.
Both the BGB and BGP expressed their firm resolve to perform respective duties to maintain peace and order, and ensure the security of the people living in the border areas, Lt Col Iftekhar said at a press briefing.
Lt Col Kao Na Yan Shoo, commanding officer of the BGP Branch-1 of Myanmar's Maungdaw, led the seven-member Myanmar delegation, while Lt Col Iftekhar led the eight-member Bangladesh side.
However, the Myanmar delegation did not talk to the media.
Lt Col Iftekhar said there was a fruitful discussion on the volatile situation in the border area and the prevention of drug trafficking and the infiltration of Myanmar nationals into Bangladesh.
On September 16, a Rohingya boy was killed and five others were injured as a mortar shell fired by the Myanmar army exploded at a Rohingya camp located at the Zero Point of the border.
The same day, another Bangladeshi youth was injured in a landmine explosion along the border in Bandarban's Naikkhangchhari upazila.
The recent incidents, like mortar shell blasts and airspace violations, on the Bangladesh side of the border with Myanmar took place due to the raging conflict between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen told parliament yesterday.
Bangladesh, however, has so far shown patience in the face of Myanmar's provocations, he said in response to a question from ruling AL MP Momtaz Begum.
Momen said that as its neighbour, Bangladesh wants peaceful coexistence with Myanmar.
"For this, the foreign ministry is trying to resolve the ongoing problem regarding Myanmar's recent behaviour through diplomatic initiatives."