Complications With The Return Of BGP Personnel

The recent incursion by the insurgent group Arakan Army from Myanmar has created a new complexity, causing fear among more than three hundred Border Guard Police (BGP), army personnel, and immigration members.

However, despite the conflict in Myanmar, Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud has claimed that the Bangladesh border is 'secure'. The government is discussing the repatriation of the members of the border security force of the neighboring country.

The repatriation of Myanmar's border security personnel via sea route has been announced by Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen. After a meeting at the Ministry of Internal Affairs yesterday (February 7), Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen said Myanmar had initially proposed that its border security personnel be repatriated via the sea route. But we think it won't be safe. However, now we are thinking that they can be repatriated via sea route as they wish.

Earlier, on Monday (February 5), Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud told journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that we have uninterrupted communication, and the deputy foreign minister of Myanmar has also spoken to our ambassador. They will repatriate their citizens. That is, those who have come as part of their BGP or border guard police will be returned. We are in discussions about the process of repatriating them. Whether they will be repatriated by air or through the port, we are discussing that. We will find a way.

On this issue, BGB's Director General Major General Ashraful Islam said, we should go as soon as possible as far as possible. It's their matter. Bangladesh never interferes in the affairs of other countries. After going to that country, they will face harsh justice or not, it is the Myanmar government's consideration. However, even though the Myanmar government has talked about repatriating them, it is not possible due to the current situation of the Arakan Army's strong presence in the border area.

Security analyst Major retired Emadadul Islam said, Bangladesh has not yet taken any side; neither the Arakan Army nor the Myanmar Army. In this situation, as much security as possible should be maintained and the border should be sealed.