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Published : 01 Mar 2025, 11:55 PM
Bangladesh needs to be on good terms with both the Arakan Army insurgents and the military junta of Myanmar to ensure border security, Home Advisor Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has said.
“The country is Myanmar. The border is controlled by the Arakan Army. Who will control it in the future is officially uncertain. But as it stands, the border is completely secure, and there are no problems,” he said.
He made these remarks while speaking to journalists on Saturday afternoon at the inauguration of a new Border Guard Bangladesh, or BGB, battalion in Cox’s Bazar’s Ukhiya.
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.
